Can't convert from .txt to .iqy or see query in the list

[JohnRoppo]

I am trying to create my own web query through trial and error. I can
duplicate an example file that is included with Excel 2004 and it
shows up with no problem in the list when >Run Saved Query is
selected. However, if I modify the file in any way and save it, or
create a new one, the file is grayed out when trying to run a saved
query. I am following the instructions from the only knowledge base
article I ever see mentioned:

3. After you type all the required lines, save the new file as a text
file in the following folder:
Microsoft Office 2001:Office:Queries
-or-
Microsoft Office X/Office/Queries (in Mac OS X)
4. Quit the text editor.
5. Use Finder to navigate to the saved text file.
6. Click the file name to highlight the name of the file in the a
box.

Note Do not open the file.
7. Change the file extension from .txt to .iqy, and then click in an
area outside the box to complete the change. When you are prompted to,
select Keep .iqy.
Note If you do not change the file extension to .igy the Web query
will appear in the list when you click Data, click Get External Data,
and then click Run saved query. However, the query will be dimmed and
you will not be able to select it.

Where am I supposed to change the file extension at? In the Finder?
In the Get Info window? No matter where I change the .txt to .iqy, it
no longer shows as a text file (icon changes) and is grayed out as
noted when trying to run the query.

What am I doing wrong?

Many thanks.

 

[Jim Gordon MVP]

Hi John,

Here's a link to an article that explains how to make web queries.

There is really no difference between a text file that ends with .txt or
..iqy except that the .iqy extension means that the text file is not just any
text file - it's a text file that has been formatted to be a query.

The simplest sort of web query file can be made by pasting a hyperlink into
a blank word document, then use File > Save As and choose the file type of
text. Then change the extension to .iqy either in the Save As dialog box or
in Finder.

-Jim

I am trying to create my own web query through trial and error. I can
duplicate an example file that is included with Excel 2004 and it
shows up with no problem in the list when >Run Saved Query is
selected. However, if I modify the file in any way and save it, or
create a new one, the file is grayed out when trying to run a saved
query. I am following the instructions from the only knowledge base
article I ever see mentioned:

3. After you type all the required lines, save the new file as a text
file in the following folder:
Microsoft Office 2001:Office:Queries
-or-
Microsoft Office X/Office/Queries (in Mac OS X)
4. Quit the text editor.
5. Use Finder to navigate to the saved text file.
6. Click the file name to highlight the name of the file in the a
box.

Note Do not open the file.
7. Change the file extension from .txt to .iqy, and then click in an
area outside the box to complete the change. When you are prompted to,
select Keep .iqy.
Note If you do not change the file extension to .igy the Web query
will appear in the list when you click Data, click Get External Data,
and then click Run saved query. However, the query will be dimmed and
you will not be able to select it.

Where am I supposed to change the file extension at? In the Finder?
In the Get Info window? No matter where I change the .txt to .iqy, it
no longer shows as a text file (icon changes) and is grayed out as
noted when trying to run the query.

What am I doing wrong?

Many thanks.

--
Jim Gordon
Mac MVP

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