XL5: Error Adding Protected Add-in Workbook to Add-in Manager

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a
• Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, version 5.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, you may receive the following error message when you try to add a user-created add-in to the Add-Ins List in the Add-Ins dialog box (on the Tools menu click Add-Ins):

   <Filename> is not a valid add-in

CAUSE

When you add an add-in to the Add-In list by clicking Add-Ins on the Tools menu, the integrity of the new add-in file is tested. Because the file is encrypted, Microsoft Excel does not recognize it as a valid add-in file.

WORKAROUND

To avoid this error message, use either of the following methods.

Method 1

Do not protect the workbook before you create an add-in. Because an add-in file will be encrypted and compiled when it is created, there is no need to protect the workbook before you create an add-in.

Method 2

If you are using Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, protect the individual sheets rather than the entire workbook. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Switch to the sheet or sheets that you want to protect.

2. On the Tools menu, point to Protection, and click Protect Sheet.

MORE INFORMATION

Note that in Microsoft Excel version 7.0 for Windows 95, module sheets in an add-in behave as if they are in a protected workbook even if you did not apply protection to the workbook.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide," version 5.0, pages 659-662 "Visual Basic User's Guide," version 5.0, pages 276-277