OFF97: Errors Appear Inserting OLE Objects or Binder Sections

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft PowerPoint 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Office 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.51

SYMPTOMS

On a computer running Windows NT version 3.51, when you insert an object in one of the programs listed at the beginning of this article, one of the following error messages appears:

   Cannot start the source application for this object.

   - or -

   The server application, source file, or item cannot be found.
   Make sure the application is properly installed, and that it has
   not been deleted, moved, or renamed.

   Office Binder cannot add the section to the binder. This type of
   file may not be supported by Office binder. An unexpected error
   has occurred.

CAUSE

These problems occur when the following conditions are true:

• You install the Office program in a folder with a name that begins with "Microsoft Office" followed by a space and additional characters. For example, you install Microsoft Office in a folder named "Microsoft Office Pro."

  -and-

• You install a component program from the ValuPack into a folder named "Microsoft Office." For example, you install the Microsoft Camcorder in the Microsoft Office\Mscam folder.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, remove the ValuPack and the Office program, and then reinstall the programs. Note that you must install the ValuPack program in the same folder in which you install Microsoft Office. To do this, use the following steps:

1. Run Setup for the ValuPack program and click Remove All.

2. Run Setup for Microsoft Office and click Remove All.

3. Run Microsoft Office Setup again, select the program you want to reinstall and install it.

4. Run Setup for the ValuPack program. When you are prompted to select a folder in which to install the program, click Browse and select the same folder in which you installed Microsoft Office.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Service Pack 5 for Windows NT 3.51 is required to run Microsoft Office 97. This service pack adds additional functionality to Windows NT version 3.51, including enhanced Internet functionality and an updated Oleaut32.dll file. These features are required in order for Microsoft Office 97 programs to operate under Windows NT version 3.51.

For additional information about running Microsoft Office 97 on Windows NT, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   Article-ID: Q156444
   TITLE     : OFF97: Service Pack Requirements for Windows NT Workstation