Microsoft KB Archive/154147

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

Filled Formulas Changed By Delete and Undo Commands
Last reviewed: September 13, 1996

Article ID: Q154147

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
 * Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SYMPTOMS
When you use the fill down or fill across feature with a formula or function, and if you delete and then restore the rows or columns referred to by the formula or function, the contents of the formula may be altered incorrectly.

This behavior occurs under certain specific conditions when you use the Delete and Undo commands on the Edit menu.

CAUSE
When you delete columns or rows and then restore them with the Undo command, the restored formulas refer to the last columns or rows in the sheet.

This behavior occurs with any function or formula when the following conditions are met:


 * The deleted columns or rows start with the first column, A, or the first row, 1, in the sheet
 * All columns or rows referred to in the formulas are deleted
 * Relative references are used in the formulas
 * The formulas contain either an operator (such as +, /, *, or -) or a formula
 * The entire column or row is deleted (rather than individual cells)
 * The deleted columns or rows are restored using the Undo command
 * The formulas are filled or pasted as a group (they are not entered individually)

NOTE: This problem does not affect the first formula that is entered. Note also that if any deleted column or row is referred to with an absolute reference, the formula is not altered.

WORKAROUND
To avoid this problem, use either of the following methods:

Method 1: Delete cells rather than entire rows or columns.

Method 2: Copy and then paste the formulas in individual cells or type each

formula individually.

STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.