XL97: Using AutoFilter May Take a Long Time

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

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SYMPTOMS

When you use the AutoFilter command (point to Filter on the Data menu) in Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows, Microsoft Excel may appear to stop responding (hang) during the filtering process. In addition, recalculation of values in the worksheet may occur slowly after you apply the filter.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the following conditions are true:

• The workbook was created in either Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0 or 7.0.

      -and-
  

• The list you are filtering is very large.

      -and-
  

• The workbook contains several items that require more random access memory, such as charts, PivotTables, or cell formatting.

      -and-
  

• You save the file in the Microsoft Excel 97 file format.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, follow these steps:

1. On the File menu, click Save As.

2. In the Save As Type list, click Microsoft Excel 5.0/95 Workbook.

3. Click Save.

4. On the File menu, click Save As.

5. In the Save As Type list, click Microsoft Excel Workbook.

6. Click the Save button.