Microsoft KB Archive/78940

= Works: Sorting/Copying Formula Changes Range Reference =

Article ID: 78940

Article Last Modified on 11/16/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Works 3.0 for MS-DOS
 * Microsoft Works 2.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 3.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 4.5 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 4.5a
 * Microsoft Works 4.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 4.0a

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This article was previously published under Q78940



SUMMARY
Microsoft Works wraps any relative references used in a formula if a copy or sort operation would cause the reference to be outside the spreadsheet area. This behavior can produce unexpected results in formulas, such as SUM, that interpret range references as arguments.



MORE INFORMATION
Use the following example for more information:


 * 1) Type the formula =SUM(B1:B2) in cell B3. &quot;B1:B2&quot; is a relative reference. You are telling Works to display in cell B3 the sum of the two cells directly above the cell containing the formula.
 * 2) Copy the formula into cell B2. You are now telling Works to display in cell B2 the sum of the two cells directly above B2. Because there is only one cell (B1) above B2, Works wraps the range reference. Works changes the formula to =SUM(B1:B4096) for Works for DOS, version 2.0 and 3.0, in Works for Windows version 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 the formula would change to =SUM(B1:B16384). Note that the range reference &quot;B1:B4096&quot; or &quot;B1:B16384&quot; causes Works to sum all cells in column B.

Any operation that moves formulas, such as sorting, can cause the same result.

Additional query words: 1.00 1.05 2.00 3.00 4.00 4.00a 4.50 4.50a w_works

Keywords: kbinfo KB78940

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