Error Message ...move or copy contains the name xx, which alreadyexists....

[cardan]

Hello,
I am having an unusual problem. I have searched this site for a simple
answer and solution but it seems to be more complex.

In a workbook, when I try to copy a sheet in the same workbook, I get
an error message that states "A formula or sheet you want to move or
copy contains the name '\P', which already exists in the destination
worksheet. Do you want to use this version of the name?" I can click
Yes to accept or No to rename.
If I click Yes, I get the same error message saying another name
exists such as '_1', '_2', and another Yes or No option.

I go through this process 20+ times with odd names such as
'rngBeenRun', 'rngTotalMule', 'W', which according to Excel already
exists. I have no clue where these names are coming from. One or two
cells may link to another worksheet but that is it. I have no macros
built into the sheet.

I am hoping someone is familiar with this error can shed some light on
the reasons why, any major issues this can cause, and hopefully offer
a solution. Thank you in advance.

 

[Dave Peterson]

The developer (I'm assuming it isn't you) of both workbooks used those names in
each workbook. And when you try to copy a sheet from one to the other and that
copied sheet contains a name that's used in the other workbook, excel wants to
know how to handle this problem.

Just like when you yell "Hey, Johnny" out the window and 17 little kids come
running. You may be able to handle this ambiguity, but excel can't!

I'd want to know a little more about those names--if they're used in other
formulas or other names. But it's difficult to know for certain. A name could
be defined in your workbook and used in a completely different workbook. If you
delete the name, you may break that other workbook.

So you'll want to be careful -- and spread the word to coworkers with your
plans...just in case.

I'd get a copy of Jan Karel Pieterse's (with Charles Williams and Matthew
Henson) Name Manager:

You can find it at:
NameManager.Zip from http://www.oaltd.co.uk/mvp


You'll be able to find out more about each of those names pretty easily.

 

[cardan]

The developer (I'm assuming it isn't you) of both workbooks used those names in
each workbook.  And when you try to copy a sheet from one to the other and that
copied sheet contains a name that's used in the other workbook, excel wants to
know how to handle this problem.

Just like when you yell "Hey, Johnny" out the window and 17 little kids come
running.  You may be able to handle this ambiguity, but excel can't!

I'd want to know a little more about those names--if they're used in other
formulas or other names.  But it's difficult to know for certain.  A name could
be defined in your workbook and used in a completely different workbook.  If you
delete the name, you may break that other workbook.

So you'll want to be careful -- and spread the word to coworkers with your
plans...just in case.

I'd get a copy of Jan Karel Pieterse's (with Charles Williams and Matthew
Henson) Name Manager:

You can find it at:
NameManager.Zip fromhttp://www.oaltd.co.uk/mvp

You'll be able to find out more about each of those names pretty easily.

Hi Dave, Thank you for the insight. I did author the workbook,
however there is one sheet that I did copy and paste from a different
workbook but I don't think it is the problem. If I have say Sheet1 in
my workbook and copy it, I get Sheet1 (2). If I try to copy Sheet1(2)
I get the error. This happens with any other sheet, including the one
I copied and pasted into my workbook. Is it a macro program?

 

[Dave Peterson]

It doesn't sound like it to me (but that doesn't mean it isn't).

I'd still get that addin and look to see what those names referred to.