WD2000: Formula in Table Is Incorrect When Using Track Changes

ID: Q192738

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you use a function in a table, the results of the function may be incorrect if the Track changes while editing feature is enabled.

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 (^).

For example, see the 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 turned on, as in this example 


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


the resulting value in the updated formula will be incorrect. 


   --------
   | (1)2 | (parentheses 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 2000 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 either of the following methods:

Method 1: Accept or Reject Changes Before Updating Fields 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 Updating 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 wd2000 
Version           : WINDOWS:2000
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: May 13, 1999