XL: Problems Applying Borders After Opening Lotus 1-2-3 Files

• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

After you open a Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows version 4.0 or 5.0 (.wk4) file, using the Borders tool on the Formatting toolbar to apply borders may appear not to work.

-and-

Using the menu option to apply borders, you may have to change the color of the border.

CAUSE

In Microsoft Excel, the border color defaults to the color of the gridlines. The default gridline color in Lotus 1-2-3 is a light gray color. The converter in Microsoft Excel is converting the gridline color information from Lotus 1-2-3.

RESOLUTION

Change the gridline color so that it uses the default color in Microsoft Excel. To do so, follow these steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.

2. In the Options box, click the View tab.

3. Under Window Options, click the arrow to the right of the Color option, and select Automatic, and then click OK.

STATUS

This behavior is by design. The Lotus 1-2-3 converter is properly converting the gridline information.

MORE INFORMATION

The Lotus 1-2-3 converter that ships with Microsoft Excel for Windows 95 version 7.0 and Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows is different than the converter that was written to work with Microsoft Excel for Windows version 5.0. The converter for Microsoft Excel version 5.0 does not convert Lotus 1- 2-3 gridline information; the converted file uses the default gridline information of Microsoft Excel.

REFERENCES

For more information about moving workbooks between Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel, click the Index tab in Microsoft Excel Help Topics and type:

 Lotus 1-2-3, converting files