IBM Support

Excel cell values change to #NAME (or zeros) when spreadsheet .XLSX (or .XLS file) is opened

Troubleshooting


Problem

User #1 creates/runs an Excel spreadsheet report, which contains many Controller formulae.
  • After running the report, the values/entries look correct (for example the names of accounts correctly appear.
  • User #1 saves this as an XLSX file
User #2 opens that same Excel spreadsheet file (typically because it has been emailed to them)
  • The user expects that many of the cells should contain values/data/figures from the Controller system
 
However, when User #2opens this file (on their own PC), they find that the data/values have disappeared.
  • Specifically, Microsoft Excel has automatically recalculated all of the formulae (for example 'fGetVal') and so each of these cells returns the value zero (0) or #NAME

Symptom

A typical scenario where this is seen is:
  • User 1 launches Excel/Controller, and runs a spreadsheet report. This populates the spreadsheet (XLS / XLSX file)
  • User 1 then sends (for example via email) the spreadsheet file (XLS / XLSX file) to a colleague who does not have Controller installed (or running)
  • User 2 opens the XLS/XLSX file inside Microsoft Excel.
  • Immediately all the values (which were originally in the spreadsheet) disappear (either changed to '#NAME' or changed to zero / 0 / blank)

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Historical Number

1041110

Document Information

Modified date:
08 May 2025

UID

swg21367273