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MAC: Can't open Windows file on Mac

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    MAC: Can't open Windows file on Mac

    I have a large Windows Excel 2016 sheet that has a lot of ActiveX and vba code.

    When I try to open the file on Excel for Mac 2016, I get the error message "This workbook contains content that isn't supported in this version of Excel." and can only open in read-only.

    I have looked around on other forums, and can't seem to find a definite answer.

    Is there any sort of workaround to be able to open the file properly, or is there no option.

    Thanks

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    Re: MAC: Can't open Windows file on Mac

    There are code syntax differences between the Windows and Mac versions of VBA (think yourself lucky, a few years ago Microsoft dropped VBA altogether from one release of Excel for Mac which immediately rendered macro driven workbooks useless),

    Plese indicate which code lines debug.
    Richard Buttrey

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    Re: MAC: Can't open Windows file on Mac

    Hi,

    Sorry I'm not 100% sure what you mean, I don't get a debug code or anything.
    I get the error message that I said above and then it forces me to open in read-only.
    My ActiveX boxes also turn into pictures and no longer function as they should, I assume as they aren't supported on Mac

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    Re: MAC: Can't open Windows file on Mac

    Quote Originally Posted by Delly98 View Post
    Hi,

    Sorry I'm not 100% sure what you mean, I don't get a debug code or anything.
    I get the error message that I said above and then it forces me to open in read-only.
    My ActiveX boxes also turn into pictures and no longer function as they should, I assume as they aren't supported on Mac
    Yes I concur with that last statement. The non acceptance of full Activex functionality has been a bugbear throughout versions of Excel for Mac. I gave up developing Excel VBA applications a few years ago where a client indicated that it had to be portable across platforms. It's just too much hassle.

    There has been a lot of discussion on this matter - just google the error message you've got.

    Your only work around is to use Forms controls in place of Activex controls. Either that or use intermediate software like Parallels or Boot Camp
    Last edited by Richard Buttrey; 09-02-2019 at 09:59 AM.

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    Re: MAC: Can't open Windows file on Mac

    Ah okay, do the form controls work in the same way as the ActiveX?
    Think I will just use parallels or bootcamp to completely avoid the issue.

    Thanks for the help.

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    Re: MAC: Can't open Windows file on Mac

    Quote Originally Posted by Delly98 View Post
    Ah okay, do the form controls work in the same way as the ActiveX?
    No, they work differently, but they are more stable on Windows versions so you'd be better off making the switch if you can.
    Rory

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    Re: MAC: Can't open Windows file on Mac

    The Forms controls don't have all the degree of flexibility with the Properties elements that you get with Activex Controls. but they still do the important stuff like link to specific cells and kick off macros.

    I suppose the big presentational difference is that you don't get the pop up 'floating' Userform window with Activex Controls.
    It's many years since I used Parallels and it's no doubt moved on a lot, but I seem to remember there were the occasional hiccoughs and 'nuisance' behaviour which always left me a little uncertain as to whether in some circumstances it might fall over.

    If you can I'd be inclined to try and use Forms controls.

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