Formula in Table Is Incorrect When Using Track Changes

ID: Q193879

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a

SYMPTOMS

When you use a function in a table while the Mark Revisions While Editing feature is enabled the results of the function may be incorrect.

Functions that can accept references to table cells include AVERAGE(), COUNT(), MAX(), MIN(), PRODUCT(), and SUM().

CAUSE

The function does not correctly interpret numbers marked for deletion. This problem occurs when you mark deleted text with strikethrough characters, with the pound sign (#), or with a caret (^).

Take, for example, a table with the following values where the value 3 is derived by the function { = SUM(A1:A2)}:

   -----
   | 1 |
   -----
   | 2 |
   -----
   | 3 |
   -----

If you change the value in cell A1 to 2 while you have revision marks enabled, as in this example

   --------
   | (1)2 | (parenthesis represent a revision mark in this example)
   --------
   |  2   |
   --------
   |  3   |
   --------

the resulting value in the updated formula will be incorrect.

   --------
   | (1)2 | (parenthesis represent a revision mark in this example)
   --------
   |  2   |
   --------
   | 14   |
   --------

Note: To update the formula, press SHIFT+F9.

The formula interprets the 1 preceding the 2 as part of the value. That is, the formula reads the value as 12; therefore, the sum of the values (12 + 2) is 14.

WORKAROUND

The following methods apply to Word 97 only. For information about how to accept or reject changes or to hide revision marks in earlier versions of Word, please consult Word online Help.

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods:

Method 1: Accept or Reject Changes Before You Update Fiields in a table.

To accept or reject changes, point to Track Changes on the Tools menu, and then click Accept or Reject Changes.

Method 2: Hide Tracked Changes Before You Update the Formula.

To hide tracked changes, click Track Changes on the Tools menu, and then click to clear the Highlight changes on screen check box.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

Additional query words: wrong error formula field code

Keywords          : kbdta kbfield kbformula kbtable 
Version           : WINDOWS:6.0,6.0a,6.0c,7.0,7.0a
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

Last Reviewed: February 12, 1999