Can't parse all worksheets in Spreadsheet::ParseExcel

keithw99 has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Hi,

I've used Spreadsheet::ParseExcel on and off for a while, but recently came across a problem that I can't seem to figure out.

I'm trying to parse a workbook with many tabs (worksheets), but only a few of the worksheets are returning valid data.

In particular, I'm not getting values for $worksheet->{MinRow}, $worksheet->{MaxRow}, etc, even though the cells in these sheets are fully populated with data. When I try to access known cells using $worksheet->{Cells}[0][0]->{Val}, no value is returned (NULL). Of the 22 worksheets in the workbook, the first 4 return valid data, but the rest don't.

Could this be a memory problem or a spreadsheet format problem? The workbook I'm parsing has macros and other stuff embedded, but I don't think that should make a difference. Anyone have an idea on how I could troubleshoot this further? Thanks!

Comment on Can't parse all worksheets in Spreadsheet::ParseExcel

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Re: Can't parse all worksheets in Spreadsheet::ParseExcel by toolic (Bishop) on Jul 24, 2008 at 21:22 UTC
I do not have a solution to your problem, but here are some things you could try: Sift through the 31 bugs listed in Spreadsheet::ParseExcel (click the "View Bugs" link). Use Super Search, text = "ParseExcel". Delete all but 4 of your worksheets. Do you still get the problem? If so, there may be something quirky about your 4th sheet. If not, there may be a memory issue, as you suspect. Try to reduce the amount of data to pinpoint the problem. Remember that print and Data::Dumper are your friends. Good luck.	[reply]
Re: Can't parse all worksheets in Spreadsheet::ParseExcel by igelkott (Priest) on Jul 24, 2008 at 22:53 UTC
Had a similar problem a while back. Never did find a good solution for my situation but Win32::OLE might be useful in your environment, at least for tracking down the problem. May also get some inspiration from the replies to my first question or to the followup.	[reply]