i'm not sure if i get what you mean by "instance of XL". Do you mean
versions?? The two files were created at the same time by me and i'm copying
from one file to another file . . .

Or do you mean when instead of having one Excel open with two files open,
there are actually two versions of Excel open, each with one file open in
each??

thanks for the reply

"Jim Thomlinson" wrote:

You are copying and pasting from a workbook in one instance of XL to a
workbook in a different instance of XL.
--
HTH...

Jim Thomlinson


"Kevin" wrote:

i have two excel files, one that has formulas and one that uses raw values.
I need to copy the values from the first sheet to the second one and use
Paste Special and Values. However, sometimes the normal Paste Special box
does not appear, but another box that says Paste/Paste link with the options
of "text" or "Unicode text" appears.

Does anyone know what that happens???