Microsoft KB Archive/129666

Works: Spreadsheet Average Wrong Converting from Mac to Windows

PSS ID Number: Q129666 Article last modified on 10-22-1998

3.00 3.00a 3.00b | 3.x 4.00 4.00

MACINTOSH WINDOWS

================================================================ ==

The information in this article applies to:

 Microsoft Works for the Macintosh, versions 3.x, 4.0, 4.0a, and 4.0b == Microsoft Works for Windows, versions 3.0, 3.0a, and 3.0b == 

= SYMPTOMS =

When you convert a Works 3.0 for Windows spreadsheet to Works for the Macintosh, then convert it back again to Works for Windows, the average or count figures can be lower for some entries. This can occur if the range includes formatted blank cells.

= RESOLUTION =

  Remove all formatting from cells used in ranges before transferring the document to the Macintosh. -or- Before saving the document on the Macintosh, highlight the blank cell(s) and choose Clear from the Edit menu.   If the document has been opened in Works for Windows, choose Replace from the Edit menu. In the Find What field, enter a double quotation mark (&quot;). Leave the Replace With field empty. Choose Replace All. 

NOTE: This will also remove quotation marks from the beginnings of all text fields. Any entries that need a quotation mark to avoid being misinterpreted, must have the quotation mark manually re-entered. (For example, the name Marc is interpreted as the date March.)

= MORE INFORMATION =

A spreadsheet that is transferred between Works for the Macintosh and Works for Windows may not correctly calculate the Average or Count because a single quotation mark may appear in some cells, which is interpreted as a zero and is included in the calculation.

This occurs whenever the Macintosh translator is used on a Windows spreadsheet and blank cells in the range have been formatted. The blank cells will open correctly in Works for the Macintosh and are identified as blank with functions such as Avg and Count. However when reopening the document again in Works for Windows, the error can occur.

Any formatting placed on otherwise empty cells in Works 3.0 for Windows will be translated by the Macintosh translator into a cell that is empty but has information.

When the file is translated back to Works for Windows format, these cells will contain a single double quotation mark. Clearing the cell allows the cell to be properly translated as a blank cell in Works for Windows.

Making the following changes to cell formats can create this problem:


 * Changing to a number format other than General
 * Adding borders, formatting with a pattern, or changing the alignment
 * Changing the font or color

Other formatting options may also exhibit this behavior.

Additional query words: 3.00x 4.00 4.00a 4.00b mac m_works w_works 3.0a 3.0b mwksss ====================================================================== Version : 3.00 3.00a 3.00b | 3.x 4.00 4.00 Platform : MACINTOSH WINDOWS ============================================================================= Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1998.