'Not Enough System Resources to Display' Excel File

Question

Working on my Inspiron 1100/Windows XP Home - I have an excel file saved on my hard drive that is 2,652 KB's in size.  I am able to open this spreadsheet, so I can see it on my screen.  But as soon as I attempt to do anything within the file at all, tab across the screen for example, my pc locks up, the spreadsheet becomes distorted on the monitor & I get the following error message: 'Not enough system resources to display.'  This does not appear as your typical Windows error message, as it is simply in a white box bordered in black.  There are no other words in the message.   I need to work with this file, so I am very frustrated!   If anyone can help me figure out how to resolve this, I will be very grateful!   Thank You! Laurie

fireberd · Answer

How much memory (RAM) do you have?  Windows XP is a memory hog to start with and you should have at least 512 Mb for good multi-tasking operation (more than one program open at a time).  With spreadsheets, large spreadsheets can be even more memory intensive.  Close other open program (e.g. Interent, e-mail, any other office application, etc) before you open Excel, that may help.

Lemmi · Answer

I had this sort of problem with almost any computer I ever worked with, most of time working with large Word documents (lots of tables, pictures, formatting and so on).

In most cases, restarting the computer, disabling any unused background programs (like Internet Security or Antivirus when you're not online), and opening ONLY the file you want to work with solves the problem.

Laurie4aVA · Answer

Bummer - but thanks for trying! Laurie

Laurie4aVA · Answer

Thank you both for your suggestions - however, doing what you said didn't help!

I have only 256 MB's for my RAM, but when I have been in this file, I have EVERYTHING else closed out.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

Lemmi · Answer

Not from my side, sorry to say so... I hope somebody else will be able to help. Good luck, Lemmi

100mph · Answer

Restart in Safe Mode and try manipulating your file. If it works ok, see the second link below.

... If it doesn't check the Event Log (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Event Viewer) for any related errors/ events, and post them here with as much additional information as possible.

P.S. 2 MB is NOT a large file.

Windows General

"Not Enough System Resources to Display" Excel File

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