  Microsoft Excel Technical Support

Main Excel Help Contents

When You Have a Question

Types of Technical Support

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Product Support Services in the United States

Microsoft Product Support Services Worldwide


Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

The following are some of the most common questions asked about Microsoft Excel. Scan this list before you call Microsoft Product Support Services--maybe you can save yourself the phone call!

Each of the following questions is followed by the word ANSWER. Click this underlined word to get the corresponding answer to the preceding question.

Basic Use

1.	How do I set up a workbook so that it automatically opens each time I start Microsoft Excel?  ANSWER

2.	How do I change the default working directory or the standard font in Microsoft Excel?  ANSWER

3.	How do I import and export text files in Microsoft Excel?  ANSWER

4.	How can I learn the Microsoft Excel 5.0 equivalents for version 4.0 menu commands?  ANSWER

5.	When I enter a value with a slash (/) or a hyphen (-), it is formatted as a date. How can I prevent this?  ANSWER

6.	What are some shortcuts for selecting cells and ranges?  ANSWER

7.	How do I format characters in a cell to be superscript, subscript, or in a different font style?  ANSWER

8.	How do I combine the contents of two cells into one cell?  ANSWER

Printing

9.	How do I define an area on my worksheet for printing?  ANSWER

10.	How do I make my titles print on each page?  ANSWER

Working with Workbooks

11.	How do I simultaneously display multiple sheets from my workbook?  ANSWER

12.	What happened to the workbook table of contents used in Microsoft Excel 4.0? What is the best way to copy or move sheets and to navigate between sheets in a Microsoft Excel 5.0 workbook?  ANSWER

13.	How do I get into Group mode so that I can edit multiple sheets simultaneously?  ANSWER

Creating and Editing Charts

14.	When I create a chart on a new chart sheet, it appears different from previous versions of Microsoft Excel. Why?  ANSWER

15.	Once I've created my chart, how do I change the chart type used for my data series?  ANSWER

16.	How do I add new information to an existing chart?  ANSWER

17.	How do I save the format of my chart so that I can use it for new charts with different data?  ANSWER

Managing and Summarizing Data in a List

18.	The Set Database, Set Criteria, and Extract commands are no longer available on the Data menu. How do I set database and criteria and extract ranges?  ANSWER

19.	How do I count the number of times a particular entry occurs in my list?  ANSWER

20.	How do I write a formula that sums cells containing a particular value or sums cells adjacent to cells containing a particular value?  ANSWER

Retrieving and Analyzing Data

21.	How do I run a Microsoft Excel 4.0 crosstab table in version 5.0?  ANSWER

22.	How do I best manage memory when I create a pivot table?  ANSWER

23.	How can I extract data from an external database so that I can work with it in a Microsoft Excel sheet?  ANSWER

Creating and Running Macros

24.	How do I set up a workbook so that it runs a macro each time I open it?  ANSWER

25.	In Microsoft Excel version 4.0, I had a global macro sheet that contained several macros I regularly used. Can I use this macro sheet in Microsoft Excel 5.0?  ANSWER

26.	With the new menu structure in version 5.0, how do I run my version 4.0 macros that add custom commands to menus?  ANSWER

27.	How can I convert my Microsoft Excel version 4.0 macros to Visual Basic macros?  ANSWER

See Also

Help

Microsoft Product Support Services in the United States

Microsoft Product Support Services Worldwide

When You Have a Question


Opening Workbooks Automatically at Startup

Q  How do I set up a workbook so that it automatically opens each time I start Microsoft Excel?

A  To open a workbook at startup, place it in the XLSTART directory, which is located in the same directory as the Microsoft Excel program. All workbooks placed in this location will be opened automatically when you start Microsoft Excel. Your workbook can include one or more of the following: worksheets, chart sheets, Visual Basic modules, dialog sheets, and Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheets.

Note that when you place a template in the XLSTART directory, it appears as an option either in the New dialog box when you choose the New command from the File menu or in the Insert dialog box when you choose the Insert command from the sheet tab shortcut menu. (To display this shortcut menu, click a sheet tab with the right mouse button.)

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Controlling What Happens When You Start Microsoft Excel

User's Guide

Chapter 35, "Controlling What Happens When You Start Microsoft Excel"


Setting the Default Working Directory and Standard Font

Q  How do I change the default working directory or the standard font in Microsoft Excel?

A  Changing the default working directory or standard font in Microsoft Excel is easier than ever! To set these options for all new workbooks, you can use the General tab in the Options dialog box (from the Tools menu, choose Options). If you want to set the standard font for a single workbook, change the Normal style font in the workbook.

To change the default working directory

1.	From the Tools menu, choose Options.

2.	Select the General tab.

3.	In the Default File Location box, type the full path of the directory you want to use for your Microsoft Excel working directory.

4.	Choose the OK button.

To change the standard font for all new workbooks

1.	From the Tools menu, choose Options.

2.	Select the General tab.

3.	In the Standard Font and Size boxes, type or select the font and size you want to use.

4.	Choose the OK button.

To change the default font for the active workbook

1.	From the Format menu, choose Style.

2.	Choose the Modify button.

3.	Select the Font tab.

4.	Type or select the font and size you want to use.

5.	Choose the OK button on the Font tab in the Format Cells dialog box.

6.	Choose the OK button in the Style dialog box.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Changing general Microsoft Excel settings

Overview of Controlling What Happens When You Start Microsoft Excel

Overview of Using Styles to Save and Apply Format Combinations

User's Guide

Chapter 12, "Formatting a Worksheet"

Chapter 34, "Customizing Your Workspace"

Chapter 35, "Controlling What Happens When You Start Microsoft Excel"


Importing and Exporting Text Files

Q  How do I import and export text files in Microsoft Excel?

A  With the Microsoft Excel 5.0 TextWizard, you can easily import text files with fields that are a fixed width or fields that are delimited with one or more of the following characters: tabs, commas, semicolons, spaces, or another delimiter that you enter. Based on options that you select, the TextWizard distributes the text across columns when the text file is opened. To export a text file, you save the file by choosing the appropriate option in the Save File As Type box in the Save As dialog box.

Using the TextWizard to Import Files

1.	From the File menu, choose Open. To view all files with .TXT, .PRN, and .CSV filename extensions, select Text Files under List Files Of Type. The TextWizard is started when you type or select the filename of the text file you want to open and choose the OK button.

Note  If you have a file with a .CSV (comma-separated variable format) filename extension, the file will be opened and the text will be distributed across columns automatically (the TextWizard will be bypassed).

2.	The TextWizard then guides you through three steps in which you can designate whether your file is in a delimited or fixed-width format, set the starting row of the data you want to import, choose one or more delimiters, create and move column break lines if your data is of fixed width, and set the format for each of the columns. In each of the three dialog boxes, a scrollable preview of the data in your text file will appear.

The following table explains each of the column format options in step 3 of the TextWizard. To use these options, select the column you want to format and select the option that best describes how you want your data to appear in Microsoft Excel.

Use this format	To do this

General	Convert numeric values to numbers, date values to dates, and all else to text.

Text	Format all entries as text. For example, use this option when you have values separated by a slash (/) or hyphen (-) such that the values may be interpreted as dates. If you format them as text, they will not be converted to dates.

Date	Format all entries as dates. Use this option when you import a text file that contains unformatted dates, for example 930104. In the Date box, select the correct order of the values so that the date will be interpreted correctly. If you want this value to be interpreted as 1/4/93, select YMD. If you want this value to be interpreted as 4/1/93, select YDM. When you use this option, the correct date is retained and converted to a built-in date format.

Do NOT Import	Omit the selected column from the imported data.

If you have text that has been copied and pasted into a workbook from another application or a document that contains unparsed text that you want to break into columns, use the Text To Columns command on the Data menu. This command starts the TextWizard.

Exporting Text Files

To export a text file, choose Save As from the File menu. Under Save File As Type, select one of the following text options and choose OK.

Save your file as this type	To create this type of file

Formatted Text (space delimited)	A space-delimited file with a .PRN filename extension. In this format, text alignment and number formats are retained, patterns and font styles are not saved, and vertically oriented text will be switched to horizontal. The spacing is determined by your column widths and font selection. Since your text file will be formatted with a monospace font, you'll get the best results if you change your Normal style font to a monospace font such as Courier before you save your file. Note that if any text exceeds the width of a column, it will be truncated.
Text (tab delimited)	A tab-delimited file with a .TXT filename extension. Formatting is not saved for this file type. Text that exceeds the width of a column is not truncated.
CSV (comma delimited)	A comma-separated variable file with a .CSV filename extension. Formatting is not saved for this file type. Text that exceeds the width of a column is not truncated.
See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions about Microsoft Excel

Overview of Opening and Saving Documents in Different File Formats

TextWizard

User's Guide

Chapter 42, "Importing and Exporting Documents"


Menu Command Changes

Q  How can I learn the Microsoft Excel 5.0 equivalents for version 4.0 menu commands?

A  Many of the menus and commands have been reorganized to make Microsoft Excel easier to use and more consistent with other Microsoft applications, such as Microsoft Word. Many commands that perform similar actions are now grouped together. For example, instead of seeing Font, Patterns, and Borders on the Format menu, you now see the Cells command. You can use this command to set options for your font, patterns, and borders.

In Microsoft Excel Help, there is a table for the worksheet menu bar and the chart menu bar. These tables show the Microsoft Excel version 4.0 commands and give the version 5.0 equivalent. See Menu Command Changes in Version 5.0 to view these tables.

Tip  Print the complete list of Microsoft Excel version 5.0 equivalent commands from Microsoft Excel Help. When you need to find a version 4.0 command, locate the old command on this command list and find the 5.0 equivalent.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Menu Command Changes in Version 5.0

User's Guide

Chapter 4, "What's New in Microsoft Excel Version 5.0"


Preventing Values from Being Formatted as Dates or Times, or in Scientific Notation

Q  When I enter a value with a slash (/) or a hyphen (-), it is formatted as a date. How can I prevent this?

A  When you enter a value in an unformatted cell, Microsoft Excel automatically applies a built-in number format. In most cases, the format will be a general number format that doesn't alter the appearance of the value. However, if your entry contains a slash or a hyphen that separates values that can be interpreted as a valid month, day, year, or any combination of the three, the entry is interpreted as a date. Similarly, if you separate values with a colon that can be interpreted as hours, minutes, seconds, or a combination of these, the entry is interpreted as a time value.

When a value is converted to a number format that you don't want, you can display the value exactly as it was typed by formatting it as a text value. To do this, precede the entry with a single quotation mark (') or follow the procedure below to use the Text number format.

Using the Text number format

1.	Select the cells in which you want to enter data.

2.	From the Format menu, choose Cells.

3.	Select the Number tab.

4. 	Under Category, select the Text option.

5.	Choose the OK button.

When you enter values, they will be displayed in the cell as you typed them. Note that you must format the cells as text prior to entering your data.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Using Number Formats

User's Guide

Chapter 12, "Formatting a Worksheet"


Shortcuts for Selecting Cells and Ranges

Q  What are some shortcuts for selecting cells and ranges?

A  In addition to clicking and dragging with the mouse and using key combinations to select cells, you can use the name box to quickly select cells and ranges on the active sheet and on other sheets within a workbook. The name box (located on the left end of the formula bar) displays the cell reference of the currently selected cell or, if it's a named cell, the name is displayed. The name box lists all the defined names in your workbook. When you select a name or enter a cell reference, Microsoft Excel selects the specified cell or range.

Note  You can also use the name box to define a name and insert it in a formula. To define a name for a cell or cell range that you'll want to select later or use in a formula, select the cell or range, click the name box, type a new name, and press the ENTER key.

To select	Do the following

A named cell or range on the active sheet or on another worksheet	In the name box, type or select the name.
An unnamed cell	In the name box, type the cell reference and press ENTER.
An unnamed range	With your mouse, select the first cell in the range. If the last cell in your range is a named cell, hold down the SHIFT key and select the name from the name box, or type a cell reference and press SHIFT+ENTER.
Nonadjacent named and unnamed cells	With your mouse, select the first cell or range. To make subsequent selections, hold down the CTRL key and select a name from the name box, or type a cell reference and press CTRL+ENTER.
See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel


Formatting Characters with Special Formats Such as Superscript and Subscript

Q  How do I format characters in a cell to be superscript, subscript, or in a different font style?

A  In Microsoft Excel 5.0, you can format individual characters within a single cell with a superscript or subscript character format, a different font, size, or style, a single or double underline, or any combination of these formats. The following are a few examples of the kinds of character formatting that you can have in a single cell:

A1:	1992 Sales - 4th Quarter

A2:

A3:

A4:	Φ(t-s)=Φ(t)Φ-1(s)

Note: The Φ character is a capital F in the Symbol font.

You select individual text in a cell by clicking the formula bar and dragging to select the text or, if you're using the in-cell editing feature, double-click the cell and drag to select the text you want to format. In a text box, double-click the box and drag to make your selection. Once your text is highlighted, choose Cells from the Format menu. Select the Font tab and choose the options you want.

Multiple character formatting will only work on text. In the above examples, 2 superscript 3 and 10 subscript 2 are displayed as 23 and 102 unless they're entered as text. You can do this by preceding the value with a single quotation mark (') or by formatting the cell with the text number format before you enter the value.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Using superscripts and subscripts

User's Guide

Chapter 12, "Formatting a Worksheet"


Combining Cell Contents

Q  How do I combine the contents of two cells into one cell?

A  If you have information in two separate cells that you want to combine into one cell, or if you would like to combine text with a formula in a single cell, use the new CONCATENATE() function. This function takes up to 30 arguments, which can consist of cell references, text, and formulas. Note that the text arguments must be enclosed in quotation marks.

CONCATENATE() Examples

To combine the first name from cell A1 and last name from cell B1, type the following formula in cell C1:

=CONCATENATE(A1," ",B1)

Note  The second argument in the formula is a space enclosed in quotation marks.

To combine the text "Amount Payable: $" with the sum of cells A1:B1, type the following formula in cell C1:

=CONCATENATE("Amount Payable: $",SUM(A1:B1))

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Using Functions

User's Guide

Chapter 10, "Creating Formulas and Links"


Displaying Multiple Workbook Sheets

Q  How do I simultaneously display multiple sheets from my workbook?

A  To view more than one sheet at a time from a particular workbook, do the following to open a separate window for each sheet you want to view and then tile the sheets:

1.	Click the sheet tab to activate the sheet.

2.	From the Window menu, choose New Window. (Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each sheet you want to view.)

3.	From the Window menu, choose Arrange.

4.	Select Tiled and turn on the Windows Of Active Workbook option.

5.	Choose the OK button.

This procedure opens a new window for each selected sheet. For each new window you open, the title bars will contain the name "BOOKNAME:n" where n is a number based on the number of open windows. If you don't want to save these windows with your workbook, close each window that has a number after the workbook name before you save the workbook. Regardless of whether you save the new windows with your workbook, any changes you make while the windows are open will be automatically reflected in the original sheets in the workbook.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Managing Workbook Windows

User's Guide

Chapter 7, "Working in Workbooks"


Copying, Moving, and Activating Sheets in Workbooks

Q  What happened to the workbook table of contents used in Microsoft Excel 4.0? What is the best way to copy or move sheets and to navigate between sheets in a Microsoft Excel 5.0 workbook?

A  In Microsoft Excel 5.0, workbooks contain worksheet tabs. These tabs replace the table of contents in Microsoft Excel version 4.0. To activate a sheet in the workbook, click its tab. The following tables contain some keyboard and mouse shortcuts you can use for navigating, copying, and moving sheets in your workbook.

Scrolling Through Sheet Tabs

If your workbook contains more sheet tabs than you can see, use the tab scrolling arrows to the left of the first visible sheet tab.

To move	Press

Left or right by one tab	Inside left or right arrow
Left or right by several tabs	SHIFT+inside left or right arrow
To the first tab	Outside left arrow
To the last tab	Outside right arrow
Activating Sheets

In addition to selecting tabs, you can use keyboard shortcuts to activate sheets in your workbook.

To activate	Press

The next sheet	CTRL+PAGE DOWN

The previous sheet	CTRL+PAGE UP

Moving and Copying Sheets

To move a sheet to a different location in your workbook, select the sheet tab, hold down your mouse button, and drag the sheet tab to the new location. To make a copy of a sheet, press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the sheet tab. As you are dragging, a black triangle will move along the top of the sheet tabs, indicating where your sheet will be inserted. You can also move and copy sheets to another workbook by dragging the sheet tab to another workbook window.

Alternatively, you can click the sheet tab with the right mouse button to bring up the sheet tab shortcut menu. Choose the Move or Copy command and specify the workbook and location within the workbook. To make a copy of the sheet, select the Create A Copy option.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Managing Workbook Sheets

Overview of Moving Around on Worksheets

User's Guide

Chapter 7, "Working in Workbooks"


Grouping Sheets for Editing, Formatting, and Printing

Q  How do I get into Group mode so that I can edit multiple sheets simultaneously?

A  To edit or print a selection of sheets in your workbook, press and hold down the SHIFT key or the CTRL key while clicking a worksheet tab. Pressing the SHIFT key and clicking a sheet tab with the mouse selects all the sheets from the active sheet to the sheet tab you select. Pressing the CTRL key and clicking a sheet tab selects individual sheets. When you're in Group mode, the grouped sheet tabs are highlighted and the word "Group" appears to the right of your workbook name on the title bar. Any data you enter or any formatting you apply to one sheet in the group will be applied to the corresponding cells in each sheet in the group. When you print, Selected Sheets will be the default option in the Print dialog box.

When all of the sheets in the workbook are grouped, activating another sheet in the workbook ungroups the sheets. If only some sheets are grouped, you can activate any sheet in the group and remain in Group mode. In this case, you ungroup the sheets by clicking a sheet tab outside the group. Alternatively, you can click a sheet tab in the group with the right mouse button and choose Ungroup Sheets from the shortcut menu.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Selecting Sheets in a Workbook

User's Guide

Chapter 8, "Selecting Cells and Choosing Commands"


Chart Sheets Appear Different from Version 4.0

Q  When I create a chart on a new chart sheet, it appears different from previous versions of Microsoft Excel. Why?

A  When you create a chart as a new sheet in Microsoft Excel 5.0, the chart will appear in a view similar to print preview. (To create a new chart, select data on your sheet and choose the Chart command from the Insert menu, and then choose As New Sheet). This view shows how the layout of your chart and all of its elements will look when you print it. In this view, you can size, move, and format the plot area (the region bounded by the axes) and chart items such as graphic objects, titles, text boxes, and the legend.

How this chart window appears on-screen and when printed depends on the settings you select in the Page Setup dialog box for items such as paper size, orientation, and margin size. For example, if the page orientation is set to Landscape, the window appears wider than it is tall. The option you select under Printed Chart Size on the Chart tab in the Page Setup dialog box affects how the chart area and its items are sized. When you select the Custom or Fit Page options, you can manually resize the chart area. With either of these options selected, all chart elements including titles, the legend, and drawing objects such as text boxes and arrows, are proportionally resized. Note that chart elements are resized in proportion to the chart area but not the plot area. With the Custom option, you can also move the chart area anywhere on the page.

The following table lists the Printed Chart Size options that are located on the Chart tab, how they affect the way the chart is displayed and printed, and how they affect what you can move and size.

With this option	The chart does this	Moving and sizing

Use Full Page	Fills the page within the margin settings.	The chart area cannot be sized. Chart items must be individually sized or moved.
Scale To Fit Page	Scales to fit the page within the margin settings in either a widthwise or heightwise orientation, depending on the direction you size it.	The chart area can be sized either vertically or horizontally, but not both. Chart items are sized and moved in proportion to the chart area.
Custom	Adjusts to any size or placement within the margin settings.	The chart area can be moved and sized vertically and horizontally. All chart items are sized and moved in proportion to the chart area.
Sizing the Chart Window on Your Screen

The chart window is zoomed in to display your entire chart area. If you want to view the chart in its full size on your screen, choose Zoom from the View menu, change Magnification to 100% and choose the OK button. Alternatively, you can select 100%, in the Zoom box. To display the chart as it would appear in Microsoft Excel 4.0 (that is, with its size determined by the size of the window). From the View menu, choose Sized wiith Window.

Note  When you open a Microsoft Excel 4.0 chart in version 5.0, this option will be selected by default. To display the chart in page layout, clear this option.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Changing Colors, Patterns, Borders, Text, and Numbers

Overview of Creating a Chart

User's Guide

Chapter 15, "Creating a Chart"

Chapter 18, "Formatting a Chart"


Changing Your Chart Type

Q  Once I've created my chart, how do I change the chart type used for my data series?

A  To change the chart type once you've created your chart, use the AutoFormat or Chart Type commands.

Autoformat

When you want to change the entire look of your chart, use the AutoFormat command on the Format menu. In the AutoFormat dialog box, you can select from a variety of built-in formats that contain single or combined chart types and may also include custom formatting such as color, gridlines, legends, and data labels. You can even create your own custom autoformat. Note that when you use the AutoFormat feature to format your chart, any custom formatting that you have added will be lost.

Chart Type

When you want to change the type of chart used to display one or more data series and/or when you have custom formatting that you want to retain, use the Chart Type command on the Format menu. With the Chart Type command, you can change the chart type for a selected series or group or for the entire chart. For each chart type, you can also set display options such as adding drop lines to a line chart, setting the gap width for a column chart, changing the order of your data series, or adding a secondary axis.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Working with Chart Autoformats

Overview of Working with Chart Types

User's Guide

Chapter 16, "Working with Chart Types and Autoformats"


Adding Information to a Chart

Q  How do I add new information to an existing chart?

A  Microsoft Excel 5.0 offers several easy and direct ways to add information to an existing chart. The best method to use depends on whether your chart is an object on your worksheet or a separate chart sheet. When you add new data to a chart, Microsoft Excel compares your data selection with the existing chart data and determines how it should be plotted. When there is some uncertainty, Microsoft Excel displays the Paste Special dialog box so that you can provide more specific information.

Note  In addition to the methods described below, you can also use the ChartWizard to add information to a chart object or a chart sheet. The ChartWizard walks you through the process of creating or adding information to your chart and prompts you to enter information and select options along the way. To start the ChartWizard, activate your chart and choose the ChartWizard button.

To add new information to a chart object

1.	Select the data you want to add, including the cell containing the category or series name.

2.	Click the outside edge of the selection and continue to hold down the mouse button while you drag the selection over the top of your chart object.

3.	Release the mouse button.

To add new information to a chart sheet

1.	Select the data you want to add, including the cell containing the category or series name.

2.	From the Edit menu, choose Copy.

3.	Activate your chart sheet.

4.	From the Edit menu, choose Paste.

When Your New Data Does Not Appear as Expected

If your new data does not appear as expected on either your chart object or your chart sheet, choose the Undo command from the Edit menu. Reselect your data and choose Copy from the Edit menu. Activate your chart and choose Paste Special from the Edit menu. Specify the appropriate options and choose the OK button.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Adding and Deleting Chart Data

User's Guide

Chapter 17, "Changing Data in a Chart"


Creating Custom Autoformats for Charts

Q  How do I save the format of my chart so that I can use it for new charts with different data?

A  In addition to the built-in autoformats for charts, you can create one or more custom autoformats that you can apply to new charts.

Note  When you create or apply a custom autoformat, your chart must be either a chart sheet or a chart object opened in a window. To open a chart object in a window, double-click it. All changes you make in the window are reflected in the object on the sheet.

To create a custom autoformat

1.	Create the chart you want to use as your custom chart (you can use any combination of available formatting options).

2.	From the Format menu, choose Autoformat.

3.	Under Formats Used, select User Defined.

4.	Choose the Customize button.

5.	Choose the Add button.

6.	In the Format Name box, type a name for your custom format.

7.	In the Description box, type a brief description of your format.

8.	Choose the OK button.

9.	Choose the Close button.

To apply a custom autoformat

1.	Create a new chart based on the data you want.

2.	From the Format menu, choose Autoformat.

3.	Under Formats Used, select User Defined.

4.	Under Formats, select your format name.

5.	Choose the OK button.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Working with Chart Autoformats

User's Guide

Chapter 16, "Working with Chart Types and Autoformats"


"Databases" in Version 5.0

Q  The Set Database, Set Criteria, and Extract commands are no longer available on the Data menu. How do I set database and criteria and extract ranges?

A  In Microsoft Excel 5.0, the commands used for managing data in lists have been changed to make common tasks such as extracting records, sorting, and summarizing data easier to use and more powerful. The terminology has also changed: databases are now referred to as "lists" and extracting records is now referred to as "filtering records." You no longer need to define database, criteria, and extract ranges in advance of extracting or finding records in a list; Microsoft Excel automatically determines your list range and you can then filter your list in place or you can copy matching records to a separate part of your sheet.

How Your List Range Is Determined

Your list range is determined based on the cell or range that is selected when you choose a command, such as Sort or Filter, from the Data menu. When you select a single cell in your list, Microsoft Excel examines the cells in the surrounding region and then automatically selects your list range and identifies your field headings. When multiple cells are selected, Microsoft Excel assumes that the selection is the intended list.

When you use the Set Database command in earlier versions of Microsoft Excel, the name database is defined on your sheet and you are limited to one instance of this name on your sheet. In Microsoft Excel 5.0, you no longer need this defined name. As a result, you can have multiple lists on a sheet or in a workbook.

Filtering Your Data

Use the AutoFilter command when you have simple criteria such as matching an item in your list or specifying an "and" or "or" criterion.

To Use the AutoFilter Command

1.	Select a single cell in your list.

2.	From the Data menu, choose Filter, and then choose AutoFilter.

3.	To specify your criteria, click the arrow next to the field name and either choose the item to match from the list or choose Custom.

Note  In the Custom dialog box, you can specify a single criterion or an "and" or "or" criterion.

When you set your criteria by selecting an item from the list box or by choosing the OK button in the Custom dialog box, your list is filtered in place and all rows that contain records that do not match are hidden.

When to Use the Advanced Filter Command

Use the Advanced Filter command when you want to specify more complex criteria or when you want to copy matching records to a different location on your sheet. To use the Advanced Filter command:

1.	From the Data menu, choose Filter, and then choose Advanced Filter.

2.	In the Advanced Filter dialog box, specify a cell range containing your criteria. The rules for what the criteria range needs to include are the same as in earlier versions of Microsoft Excel. You can elect to filter the list in place or to copy the matching records to a separate location on your sheet.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Filtering Data in a List

Overview of Managing Lists in Microsoft Excel

Overview of Sorting a List

Using a List as a Database

User's Guide

Chapter 20, "Using a List to Organize Data"

Chapter 21, "Sorting and Filtering Data in a List"


Counting Cells That Meet a Condition

Q  How do I count the number of times a particular entry occurs in my list?

A  To count the number of times an entry occurs in a list, use the new COUNTIF() function in the form COUNTIF(range,criteria).

Argument	Explanation	Example

Range	A reference to the range that you want to count from.	A1:B10
Criteria	This argument can be a cell reference, a constant, or a text string.	A1 1 ">=50" "<1/1/93" "Smith"
You can also use wildcard characters in the criteria. For example, to count all entries in the range that begin with "Smi", use the * wildcard character ("Smi*"), or, to count all three-letter entries that have "J" as the first letter and "N" as the third letter, use "J?n".

Example

To count the entries that are greater than 100 in cells A1:B10, use the following formula:

=COUNTIF(A1:B10,">100")

Related Functions

SUMIF	Adds the cells specified by a given criteria

COUNTBLANK	Counts blank cells in the specified range

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel


Summing Cells That Meet a Condition

Q  How do I write a formula that sums cells containing a particular value or sums cells adjacent to cells containing a particular value?

A  Use the new SUMIF function to sum cells that match a specific criteria or to find cells that match the criteria and sum the values in the cells adjacent to them. This function has two required arguments, range and criteria, and one optional argument, sum_range.

Argument	Explanation	Example

Range	The reference to the range in which you want to find entries that match the criteria.	A1:A10
Criteria	This argument can be a cell reference, a constant, or a text string.	A1 1 ">=50" "<1/1/93" "Smith"
Sum_Range	An optional argument that specifies the cells you want to sum. If this argument is omitted, the cells from the range that match the criteria will be summed.	B1:B10
You can also use wildcard characters in the criteria. For example, to count all entries in the range that begin with "Smi", use the * wildcard character ("Smi*"), or, to count all three-letter entries that have "J" as the first letter and "N" as the third letter, use "J?n".

Example

To sum all cells that contain the number 2 in the range B1:B4,

use the following formula:

=SUMIF(B1:B4,2)

The result of this formula is 4.

To find the entries in A1:A4 that are less than "d" and then sum the corresponding values in B1:B4, use the following formula:

=SUMIF(A1:A4,"<d",B1:B4)

The result of this formula is 9.

Related Functions

SUM	Adds its arguments

COUNTIF	Counts the number of nonblank cells within a range

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Summarizing Data in a List

User's Guide

Chapter 22, "Summarizing Data in a List"


Running Microsoft Excel 4.0 Crosstab in Version 5.0

Q  How do I run a Microsoft Excel 4.0 crosstab table in version 5.0?

A  While you can create and recalculate a Microsoft Excel 4.0 crosstab table in version 5.0, you'll get the best results if you convert your crosstab table to a pivot table. To run Microsoft Excel 4.0 Crosstab, you need to ensure that certain supporting files are in the appropriate directories and then turn on the Use Microsoft Excel 4.0 Menus option in version 5.0.

Running Crosstab in Microsoft Excel 5.0

1.	If you installed Microsoft Excel 5.0 in the same directory as Microsoft Excel 4.0, use File Manager to ensure that you have the following files in the specified directories:

XLCALL.DLL should be in the directory where you installed Microsoft Excel (this file must be in the same directory as the EXCEL.EXE file).

CROSSFNC.XLA, CROSSTAB.XLL, and CROSSTMP.XLT should be in the CROSSTAB subdirectory of the LIBRARY directory. The LIBRARY directory is located in the directory in which you installed Microsoft Excel.

--or--

If you installed Microsoft Excel 5.0 in a separate directory, copy the XLCALL.DLL file from your Microsoft Excel 4.0 directory to your version 5.0 directory. Create a subdirectory named CROSSTAB in your Microsoft Excel 5.0 LIBRARY directory and copy CROSSFNC.XLA, CROSSTAB.XLL, and CROSSTMP.XLT to this directory. These files are located in the CROSSTAB subdirectory of your version 4.0 LIBRARY directory.

2.	In Microsoft Excel version 5.0, choose Options from the Tools menu.

3.	Select the General tab.

4.	Under Menus, select the Microsoft Excel 4.0 Menus option and choose the OK button.

5.	From the File menu, choose Open.

6.	Under Directories, switch to the CROSSTAB directory in the LIBRARY directory.

7.	Under File Name, select CROSSTAB.XLL and choose the OK button.

When you open CROSSTAB.XLL, the Crosstab command is added to the Data menu. You can now use this command in Microsoft Excel 5.0.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Creating a Pivot Table

User's Guide

Chapter 24, "Creating a Pivot Table"


Optimizing Memory When Creating Pivot Tables

Q  How do I best manage memory when I create a pivot table?

A  When you create a pivot table, Microsoft Excel creates a hidden copy of the source data. This means that if the list or database from which you're creating the pivot table is open in Microsoft Excel, you will have two copies of the source data in memory. Depending on the amount of available memory your computer has, this may or may not have a noticeable effect. If the effect is noticeable, you can save memory and optimize Microsoft Excel's speed by creating pivot tables from closed data sources.

To access a closed Microsoft Excel list or database, specify a closed workbook and range in the PivotTable Wizard Step 2 Of 4 dialog box. If you're working with an external database, use the External Data Source option in the PivotTable Wizard Step 1 Of 2 instead of returning data to your sheet before running the PivotTable Wizard. When you use this option, your query results are hidden and not returned to your sheet. This means that you only have one copy of the source data in memory.

To create multiple pivot tables from a single Microsoft Excel list or database, create the first pivot table and then for each additional pivot table, select the Another Pivot Table option in the PivotTable Wizard Step 1 Of 4 dialog box. If you select the Microsoft Excel List Or Database option for your data source each time, a hidden copy of the data will be created for each new pivot table. These additional copies of the data will quickly use up the free memory on your computer. When you select the Another Pivot Table option, the additional pivot tables will use the same hidden data source.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Creating a Pivot Table

User's Guide

Chapter 24, "Creating a Pivot Table"


Extracting Data from External Databases

Q  How can I extract data from an external database so that I can work with it in a Microsoft Excel sheet?

A  To extract data from an external database, use Microsoft Query. You can use Microsoft Query by itself or in Microsoft Excel to access and organize data from a variety of external sources. You can use Microsoft Query to:

Select multiple tables from your external data source

Specify search criteria

Relate one data source to another

Add or remove fields from a query

Change the way data is organized and displayed

Calculate totals for records within the result set

With Microsoft Query, you can return data to a Microsoft Excel workbook for additional analysis, reporting, and charting.

Microsoft Query uses Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) drivers to access remote sources. When you select a complete installation in Microsoft Excel Setup, Microsoft Query, the Microsoft Query add-in, and the ODBC drivers that you select are installed. If you do a custom installation, you can install one or more of these options. If Microsoft Excel does not contain the appropriate ODBC driver for your particular database management system, check your Microsoft Excel box for fulfillment coupons or contact your database vendor.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

ODBC Driver Reference

Overview of Retrieving Data with Microsoft Query

The Setup You Need to Retrieve Data with Microsoft Query

User's Guide

Chapter 23, "Retrieving Data with Microsoft Query"


Automatically Running a Macro When You Open a Workbook

Q  How do I set up a workbook so that it runs a macro each time I open it?

A  To run a specified macro each time you open a workbook, you can use an auto-open macro in one of two ways:

You can define the name Auto_Open on a worksheet or macro sheet with the definition referring to the first cell in your macro (Microsoft Excel 4.0 macros only) or your macro name (Microsoft Excel 4.0 and Visual Basic macros).

--or--

You can create an Auto_Open procedure in a Visual Basic module.

To define the name Auto_Open

1.	Open the workbook from which you want to run the macro. Select either a worksheet or a macro sheet tab.

2.	From the Insert menu, choose Name, and then choose Define.

3.	In the Name box, type:  Auto_Open

4.	In the Refers To box, type the reference to the macro that you want to run. Use the following table to determine how to reference your macro.

For this macro type	Type the reference in this format

Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheet located in same workbook	=MyMacro --or-- =Macro1!A1
Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheet located in separate workbook	=BOOK2.XLS!MyMacro --or-- =[BOOK2.XLS]Macro1!A1
Visual Basic module located in same workbook	=MyMacro
Visual Basic module located in separate workbook	=BOOK2.XLS!MyMacro
5.	Choose the OK button.

To use the Auto_Open procedure (Visual Basic modules only)

1.	Open the workbook from which you want to run the macro and select the module tab containing your macro or insert a new module.

2.	Add the appropriate procedure from the following table (depending on where the macro that you want to run is located).

If your macro is located	Use this procedure

In the same workbook	Sub Auto_Open    Run("MyMacro") End Sub
In a separate workbook	Sub Auto_Open    Run("BOOK2!Module1.MyMacro") End Sub
Note  Your macro can be a Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro or a Visual Basic macro.

Each time you open the workbook that contains the Auto_Open procedure, Microsoft Excel automatically runs the specified macro.

You can use similar methods to define an Auto_Close name and use an Auto_Close procedure that will run a specified macro each time a workbook is closed. Other similar defined names and procedures are Auto_Activate and Auto_Deactivate, which are used to run macros when a specified workbook is activated or deactivated, and the On_SheetActivate procedure, which runs macros when a specified sheet is activated.

Note  On_SheetActivate will work only as a procedure in a Visual Basic macro; it will not work as a defined name on a worksheet or macro sheet.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel


Using a Microsoft Excel 4.0 Global Macro Sheet in Version 5.0

Q  In Microsoft Excel version 4.0, I had a global macro sheet that contained several macros I regularly used. Can I use this macro sheet in Microsoft Excel 5.0?

A  You can continue to use your global macro sheet (GLOBAL.XLM) in Microsoft Excel 5.0. If it is located in your startup directory (XLSTART), it will be loaded each time you run Microsoft Excel. The command macros on GLOBAL.XLM will be available when you choose Macro from the Tools menu. In Microsoft Excel 5.0, the global macro sheet is replaced with the Personal Macro Workbook (PERSONAL.XLS).

The Personal Macro Workbook functions similarly to the global macro sheet. Your Personal Macro Workbook has the following features:

It stores new macros when the Personal Macro Workbook option is turned on under Options in the Record New Macro dialog box (from the Tools menu, choose Record Macro).

When you exit Microsoft Excel, the workbook is saved to your XLSTART directory.

It is loaded as a hidden file.

It can contain both Visual Basic modules and Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheets.

If you installed Microsoft Excel 5.0 in the same directory that contained version 4.0, GLOBAL.XLM will still be in the XLSTART directory. If you installed Microsoft Excel in a separate directory, you can move the GLOBAL.XLM file from the version 4.0 XLSTART directory to the version 5.0 XLSTART directory.

You can have both GLOBAL.XLM and PERSONAL.XLS as separate workbook files in the XLSTART directory and you can use macros that are stored on both. Or, you can combine your global macro sheet with your Personal Macro Workbook by copying the sheet named GLOBAL from GLOBAL.XLM to PERSONAL.XLS, as described below.

Note  If you started Microsoft Excel with both files in your startup directory, begin with step 1. If you're combining the files from separate directories, open both files first and then proceed with step 1.

1.	From the Window menu, choose Unhide.

2.	Select GLOBAL.XLM (repeat steps 1 and 2 for PERSONAL.XLS).

3.	From the Window menu, choose Arrange.

4.	Under Arrange, select the Tiled option and choose the OK button.

5.	Click the GLOBAL sheet name tab and drag the tab to PERSONAL.XLS.

6.	From the Window menu, choose Hide.

7.	From the File menu, choose Exit to close Microsoft Excel.

8.	Choose the Yes button when you are prompted to accept changes in PERSONAL.XLS.

9.	Delete GLOBAL.XLM from the XLSTART directory.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Overview of Recording and Running a Macros


Running Version 4.0 Macros That Add Custom Commands

Q  With the new menu structure in version 5.0, how do I run my version 4.0 macros that add custom commands to menus?

A  Eventually you should revise your macros so that they use the Microsoft Excel 5.0 menu structure. However, you can use one of the following procedures to turn on the Microsoft Excel 4.0 Menus option before you run your macro:

From the Tools menu, choose Options and select the General tab. In the General dialog box, select the Microsoft Excel 4.0 Menus option and choose OK.

--or--

Add the following line to your macro prior to adding menus and commands:

=OPTIONS.GENERAL(,,,,,TRUE)

If you have a macro that returns the Microsoft Excel menus to their defaults by deleting custom menus and commands, add the following line to the macro after the delete commands:

=OPTIONS.GENERAL(,,,,,FALSE)

See Also

Help

ADD.COMMAND()

ADD.MENU

DELETE.COMMAND()

DELETE.MENU()

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Visual Basic User's Guide

Chapter 12, "Menus and Toolbars"


Converting Macros to the Visual Basic Programming Language

Q  How can I convert my Microsoft Excel version 4.0 macros to Visual Basic macros?

A  While you are learning to use the Microsoft Excel 5.0 macro language, you can continue to write and run version 4.0 macros. The Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro language has been updated to incorporate the new features in Microsoft Excel 5.0.

To begin the process of converting your macros and learning Visual Basic:

Review Appendix B, "Switching from the Microsoft Excel 4.0 Macro Language," in the Visual Basic User's Guide. This appendix describes some key differences between the version 4.0 and Visual Basic macro languages. In addition, it discusses ways to approach the conversion process.

Refer to the Visual Basic Samples file located in the EXAMPLES subdirectory in the directory in which you installed Microsoft Excel. This workbook file contains examples of tasks commonly accomplished with macros, such as moving and selecting, performing repetitive processes using looping structures, and communicating with other applications using dynamic data exchange (DDE). The version 4.0 macro and its Visual Basic equivalent is provided on sheets in the workbook.

Review the Examples and Demos lessons in Microsoft Excel Help.

Use the Record Macro command to record parts of your macro in a Visual Basic module. Recording a macro will help you learn the new macro commands. In addition, you can run the unconverted parts of your Microsoft Excel 4.0 macros from Visual Basic macros using the Run method.

Tip  While you record, you may find it helpful to see your Visual Basic module and the sheet on which you're selecting, moving, and carrying out commands simultaneously. To do this, select the appropriate Visual Basic module tab and choose New Window from the Window menu. Select your sheet tab and choose Arrange from the Window menu. Select the Tiled option, then select the Windows Of Active Document option and choose the OK button.

Print a copy of the Visual Basic Equivalents To Macro Functions help topic, located under Excel Macro Functions in Microsoft Excel Help. Keep this list of equivalents nearby for handy reference.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Visual Basic Equivalents to Macro Functions

Visual Basic User's Guide

Appendix B, "Switching from the Microsoft Excel 4.0 Macro Language"


Setting a Print Area

Q  How do I define an area on my worksheet for printing?

A  To define a print area, choose Page Setup from the File menu and then select the Sheet tab. Select the Print Area box and then, on your sheet, select the range or ranges you want to print. You can also type references or names for the print area. Adding the Set Print Area button to a toolbar makes it easy to set print areas with one click.

You can also just select a range and print it. Select the range or ranges you want to print, choose Print from the File menu, and select the Selection option under Print What.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Set Print Area Button

Specifying an area of a worksheet to print

User's Guide

Chapter 14, "Printing"


Setting Print Titles

Q  How do I make my titles print on each page?

A  To set print titles, choose Page Setup from the File menu and then select the Sheet tab. Select the Rows To Repeat At Top box or the Columns To Repeat At Left box and then, on your sheet, select the rows or columns you want printed on each page. You can also type references or names for the rows or columns.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Printing titles on multiple pages

User's Guide

Chapter 14, "Printing"


When You Have a Question

The Microsoft Support Network offers you a wide range of choices and access to high-quality, responsive technical support. Microsoft recognizes that support needs vary from user to user; the Microsoft Support Network allows you to choose the type of support that best meets your needs, with options ranging from electronic bulletin boards to annual support programs.

If you have a question about Microsoft Excel, first look in the Microsoft Excel User's Guide, consult online Help, or see Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel. You can also find late-breaking updates and technical information by double-clicking the Microsoft Excel Readme Help icon in the Microsoft Excel program group.

If you cannot find the answer, use one of the Microsoft Support Network options. Outside the United States, contact the Microsoft subsidiary office that serves your area. For information about Microsoft subsidiary offices, see Calling Microsoft Product Support Services Worldwide. Microsoft Support Network services are available in the United States and Canada only; in other locations, contact a local Microsoft subsidiary for information. The Microsoft Support Network is subject to Microsoft's then-current prices, terms, and conditions, and is subject to change without notice.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Calling Microsoft Product Support Services in the United States and Canada

Calling Microsoft Product Support Services Worldwide

Types of Technical Support

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"


Types of Technical Support

Electronic Services

Using Automated Telephone Support and Fax Services

Using the Microsoft Forums on CompuServe

Using the Microsoft Download Service

Using the Internet Network

Telephone Support

Calling Microsoft Product Support Services in the United States and Canada

Calling Microsoft Product Support Services Worldwide

Getting Product Support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with a Text Telephone (TT/TDD) Service

Product Training, Consultation, and Other Support Options

Locating Product Training and Consultation Services

Other Support Options

See Also

Help

Microsoft Excel Technical Support

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"


Using Automated Telephone Support and Fax Services

If you have a touch-tone telephone, you can hear recorded responses in English to common Microsoft Excel questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Microsoft FastTips. You can also order technical notes in English that will be sent to your fax machine.

To reach FastTips for Microsoft Excel, call (800) 936-4100.

After you reach FastTips, use the following keys to move through the automated system:

To	Press

Move to next message	ASTERISK (*)

Repeat current message	7

Restart FastTips	NUMBER SIGN (#)

See Also

Help

Types of Technical Support

User's Guide

"Obtaining Technical Support"


Using the Microsoft Forums on CompuServe

You can interact with other users and Microsoft support engineers or access the Microsoft Knowledge Base to get product information on several CompuServe forums. CompuServe is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

At any ! prompt, do the following:

To access Microsoft forums, type go microsoft

To access the Microsoft Knowledge Base, type go mskb

For an introductory CompuServe membership kit specifically for Microsoft users, please call (800) 848-8199 and ask for operator 519.

See Also

Help

Types of Technical Support

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"


Using the Internet Network

You can access the Microsoft Knowledge Base and the Driver Library by using Internet, a collection of computer networks and gateways. Internet is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

The Microsoft Internet FTP archive host, ftp.microsoft.com, supports anonymous logon. When logging on as anonymous, you should type your complete electronic mail name as your password.

See Also

Help

Types of Technical Support


Using the Microsoft Download Service

If you have a modem, you can download the most current technical notes, supplementary files, and the Driver Library for Microsoft Excel from the Microsoft Download Service. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

To reach the Microsoft Download Service, please call (206) 936-6735 via modem (1200, 2400, or 9600 baud; no parity; 8 data bits; 1 stop bit). In Canada, call (905) 507-3022.

See Also

Help

Types of Technical Support

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"


Locating Product Training and Consultation Services

Microsoft Solution Providers are independent organizations that provide consulting, integration, customization, development, technical support, training, and other services for Microsoft products. These companies are called Solution Providers because they apply technology and provide services to help solve real-world problems.

For more information about the Microsoft Solution Providers program or the Microsoft Solution Provider nearest to you, please call (800) 227-4679 between 6:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. Pacific time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. In Canada, call (800) 668-7975 between 8:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

See Also

Help

Types of Technical Support

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"


Getting Product Support for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing with a Text Telephone (TT/TDD) Service

Microsoft text-telephone (TT/TDD) services are available for the deaf or hard-of-hearing. Using a TT/TDD modem, dial (206) 635-4948 between 6 A.M. and 6 P.M. Pacific time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. In Canada, using a TT/TDD modem, call (905) 568-9641 between 8:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

See Also

Help

Types of Technical Support

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"


Other Support Options

The Microsoft Support Network offers annual support plans. For information, contact the Microsoft Support Network Sales Group at (800) 936-3500 between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Pacific time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

See Also

Help

Types of Technical Support

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"


Calling Microsoft Product Support Services in the United States and Canada

If you have a question about Microsoft Excel, look in the Microsoft Excel User's Guide, consult online Help, or see Answers to Common Questions about Microsoft Excel. You can find late-breaking updates and technical information by double-clicking the Microsoft Excel Readme Help icon in the Microsoft Excel program group. If you cannot find the answer, you can telephone Microsoft support engineers available through the Microsoft Support Network.

Calling the Microsoft Support Network

When you call, you should be at your computer and have the appropriate product documentation at hand. Be prepared to give the following information:

The version number of Microsoft Excel that you are using

The type of hardware that you are using, including network hardware, if applicable

The operating system that you are using

The exact wording of any messages that appeared on your screen

What happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred

How you tried to solve the problem

Use the System Info feature to view information about your system

The System Info feature examines your computer and displays information about  Microsoft Excel and your operating system, including fonts, printing, proofing tools, graphics filters, text converters, OLE applications, and screen display. This information might be useful to the technical support technician, should you need to call for assistance.

To see information with the System Info feature

1.	From the Help menu, choose About Microsoft Excel.

2.	Choose the System Info button.

3.	In the Choose A Category box, select the type of information you want.

You can also save or print information and run programs from the System Info dialog box.

Getting standard support

No-charge support from Microsoft support engineers is available via a toll call between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Pacific time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

In the United States, to reach support staff familiar with Microsoft Excel, call (206) 635-7070.

In Canada, support engineers are available via a toll call between 8:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Call (905) 568-3503.

Getting priority support

The Microsoft Support Network offers priority telephone access to Microsoft support engineers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, excluding holidays.

In the United States, call (900) 555-2000; $2 per minute, $25 maximum. Charges appear on your telephone bill. Not available in Canada.

In the United States, call (800) 936-5700; $25 per incident, billed to your VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit card. In Canada, call (800) 668-7975; $30 per incident, billed to your VISA card, MasterCard, or American Express Card.

Suggesting a new Microsoft Excel feature

If you want to suggest a new feature or feature enhancement for Microsoft Excel, please call (206) 936-WISH or (206) 936-9474.

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Getting Product Support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with a Text Telephone (TT/TDD) Service

Locating Product Training and Consultation Services

Other Support Options

Using Automated Telephone Support and Fax Services

Using the Microsoft Download Service

Using the Microsoft Forums on CompuServe

Using the Internet Network

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"


Calling Microsoft Product Support Services Worldwide

If you are outside the United States and have a question about Microsoft Excel, Microsoft offers a variety of no-charge and fee-based support options. To solve your problem, you can:

Consult the Microsoft Excel documentation and other printed information included with Microsoft Excel.

Check online Help.

Check the Microsoft Excel Readme Help file that came with your Microsoft Excel disks. This file provides general information that became available after the books in the Microsoft Excel package were published.

Consult electronic options such as CompuServe forums or bulletin boards, if available.

If you cannot find a solution, you can receive information on how to obtain Microsoft Excel support by contacting the Microsoft subsidiary office that serves your country.

The Microsoft Support Network

The Microsoft Support Network, where available, offers you a wide range of choices and access to high-quality, responsive technical support. Microsoft recognizes that support needs vary from user to user; the Microsoft Support Network allows you to choose the type of support that best meets your needs, with options ranging from electronic bulletin boards to annual support programs.

The Microsoft Support Network is subject to Microsofts then-current prices, terms, and conditions in place in each country at the time the services are used and is subject to change without notice.

Calling a Microsoft Subsidiary office

When you call, you should be at your computer and have the Microsoft Excel documentation at hand. Be prepared to give the following information:

The version number of Microsoft Excel that you are using

The type of hardware that you are using, including network hardware, if applicable

The operating system that you are using

The exact wording of any messages that appeared on your screen

A description of what happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred

A description of how you tried to solve the problem

Microsoft subsidiary offices and the countries they serve are listed on the following pages. If there is no Microsoft office in your country, please contact the establishment from which you purchased your Microsoft product.

Area	Telephone Numbers

Argentina	Microsoft de Argentina S.A.

Customer Service: (54) (1) 814-5105, (54) (1) 814-4807, (54) (1) 814-4808, (54) (1) 811-7199

Technical Support: (54) (1) 815-1521

Fax: (54) (1) 814-0372

Australia	Microsoft Pty. Ltd.

Installation Support: (61) (02) 870-2870

Fax: (61) (02) 805-0519

Bulletin Board Service: (61) (02) 878-5200

Technical Support Phone: (61) (02) 870-2131

Sales Information Centre: (61) (02) 870-2100

Austria	Microsoft Ges.m.b.H.

Phone: 0222 - 68 76 07

Fax: 0222 - 68 16 2710

Information: 0660 - 6520

Prices, updates, etc.: 0660 - 6520

CompuServe: GO MSEURO (Microsoft Central Europe)

Technical Support Phone:

  Microsoft Excel for Windows: 0660 - 6511

  Microsoft Software für den

  Apple Macintosh:0660 - 6518

Belgium	Microsoft NV

Phone: 02-7303911

Customer Service: 02-7303922

CompuServe: 02-2150530 (GO MSBEN)

Bulletin Board: 02-7350045 (1200/2400/9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, ANSI terminal emulation)

Technical Support Phone:

  (Dutch-speaking) 02-5133274

  (English-speaking) 02-5023432

  (French-speaking) 02-5132268

Bolivia	See Argentina

Brazil	Microsoft Informatica Ltda.

Phone: (55) (11) 530-4455

Fax: (55) (11) 240-2205

Technical Support Phone: (55) (11) 871-0090

Technical Support Fax: (55) (11) 241-1157

Technical Support Bulletin Board Service: (55) (11) 872-4106

Canada	Microsoft Canada Inc.

Head Office Phone: 1 (905) 568-0434

Customer Support Centre: 1 (800) 563-9048

Microsoft Support Network:

Standard Technical Support Phone: 1 (905) 568-3503

Priority Support Information: 1 (800) 668-7975

Technical Support Bulletin Board Service: 1 (905) 507-3022

Text Telephone/Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TT.TDD): 1 (905) 568-9641

Caribbean	Microsoft Caribbean, Inc.

Tel: (809) 273-3600

Fax: (809) 273-3636

Technical Support: (214) 714-9100

Chile	Microsoft Chile S.A.

Phone: 56 2 218 5771, 56 2 218 5711, 56 2 218 7524

Fax: 56 2 218 5747

Colombia	Microsoft Colombia

Phone: (571) 618 2245

Soporte Tecnico: (571) 618 2255

Fax: (571) 618 2269

Denmark	Microsoft Denmark AS

Phone: (45) (44) 89 01 00

Technical Support: (45) (44) 89 01 11

Microsoft Sales Support: (45) (44) 89 01 90

Microsoft BBS: (45) (44) 66 90 46 (Document 303030 in FaxSvar contains detailed instructions)

Microsoft FaxSvar: (45) (44) 89 01 44

Dubai	Microsoft Middle East

Phone: (971) 4 513 888

Fax: (971) 4 527 444

England	See United Kingdom

Finland	Microsoft OY

For technical support, please contact your local dealer.

Phone: (358) (9) 0 525 501

Microsoft BBS: (46) (0) 8 750 47 42 (Information in Swedish and English)

Microsoft FaxSvar: (46) (0) 8 752 29 00  (Information in Swedish and English)

France	Microsoft France

Phone: (33) (1) 69-86-46-46

Fax: (33) (1) 64-46-06-60

Telex: MSPARIS 604322

Technical Support Phone: (33) (1) 69-86-10-20

Technical Support Fax: (33) (1) 69-28-00-28

Fax Information Service (33) (1) 69-29-11-55

French Polynesia	See France

Germany	Microsoft GmbH

Phone: 089 - 3176-0

Fax: 089 - 3176-1000

Telex: (17) 89 83 28 MS GMBH D

Information: 089 - 3176 1199

Prices, updates, etc.: 089 - 3176 1199

Bulletin board, device drivers, tech notes: Btx: microsoft# or *610808000#

CompuServe: GO MSEURO (Microsoft Central Europe)

Technical Support Phone:

  Microsoft Excel for Windows: 089 3176-1120

  Microsoft Software für den Apple Macintosh:

  089 3176-1160

Greece	Microsoft Hellas, S.A.

Phone: (30) (1) 6893 631 through (30) 1 6893 635

Fax: (30) (1) 6893 636

Hong Kong	Microsoft Hong Kong Limited

Technical Support: (852) 804-4222

Fax: (852) 560-2217

Ireland	See United Kingdom

Israel	Microsoft Israel Ltd.

Phone: 972-3-575-7034

Fax: 972-3-575-7065

Italy	Microsoft SpA

Phone: (39) (2) 269121

Fax: (39) (2) 21072020

Telex: 340321 I

Customer Service (Prices, new product info,

  product literature): (39) (2) 26901359

Bulletin Board: (39) (2) 21072051

Technical Support: (39) (2) 26901351

Japan	Microsoft Company Ltd.

Tokyo, Japan

Phone: (81) (3) 5454-8000

Fax: (81) (3) 5454-7972

Technical Support Phone:

  Microsoft Excel for Windows: (81) (3) 5454-2320

  Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh: (81) (3) 5454-2340

  PSS Technical Support Fax: (81) (3) 5454-7955

Customer Service Phone: (Version upgrade/Registration)

(81) (3) 5454-2305 Fax: (81) (3) 5454-7952

Channel Marketing (Pre-Sales Product Support) Information Center

  Phone: (81) (3) 5454-2300

  Fax: (81) (3) 5454-7951

Korea	Microsoft CH

Phone: (82) (2) 531-4500

Fax: (82) (2) 555-1724

Technical Support: (82) (2) 531-4800

Technical Support Fax: (82) (2) 563-5194

Technical Support Bulletin Board Service: (82) (2) 538-3256

Liechtenstein	See Switzerland (German-speaking)

Luxembourg	Microsoft NV

Phone: (32) 2-7303911

Customer Service: (32) 2-7303922

CompuServe: (32) 2-2150530 (GO MSBEN)

Bulletin Board: (32) 2-7350045

(1200/2400/9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, ANSI terminal emulation)

Technical Support:

  (32) 2-5133274 (Dutch-speaking)

  (32) 2-5023432 (English-speaking)

  (32) 2-5132268 (French-speaking)

Mexico	Microsoft México, S.A. de C.V.

Phone: (52) (5) 325-0910

Customer Service: (52) (5) 325-0911

Bulleten Board Service :(52) (5) 590-5988 (1200/2400 baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, ANSI terminal emulation)

Fax: (52) (5) 280-7940

Netherlands	Microsoft BV

Phone: 02503-89189

Customer Service: 02503-77700

CompuServe: 02-6880085 (GO MSBEN)

Bulletin Board: 02503-34221

(1200/2400/9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, ANSI terminal emulation)

Technical Support:

  02503-77877 (Dutch-speaking)

  02503-77853 (English-speaking)

New Zealand	Microsoft New Zealand Ltd.

Phone: 64 (9) 358-3724

Fax: 64 (9) 358-3726

Technology Link Centre (Technical Support):

  Phone: 64 (9) 357-5575

  Fax: 64 (9) 358-0092

Northern Ireland	See United Kingdom

Norway	Microsoft Norway AS

Phone: (47) (22) 18 302 25 00

Technical Support Phone: (47) (22) 02 25 50

Microsoft Sales Support: (47) (22) 02 25 80

Microsoft BBS: (47) (22) 1822 09 (Document 404040 in FaxSvar contains detailed instructions)

Microsoft FaxSvar: (47) (22) 02 25 70

Papua New Guinea	See Australia

Paraguay	See Argentina

Portugal	MSFT, Lda.

Phone: (351) 1 4412205

Fax: (351) 1 4412101

Republic of China	Microsoft Taiwan Corp.

Phone: (886) (2) 504-3122

Fax: (886) (2) 504-3121

Technical Support Phone: (886) (2) 508-9501

Republic of Ireland	See United Kingdom

Scotland	See United Kingdom

South Africa	Microsoft South Africa

Phone: (27) 11 444 0520

Fax: (27) 11 444 0536

Spain	Microsoft Iberica SRL

Phone: (34) (1) 804-0000

Fax: (34) (1) 803-8310

Technical Support Phone: (34) (1) 803-9960

Sweden	Microsoft AB

Phone: (46) (8) 752 56 00

Information on Technical Support: (46) (8) 752 09 29

Sales Support: (46) (8) 752 56 30

Microsoft BBS: (46) (8) 750 47 42 (Document 202020 in FaxSvar contains detailed instructions)

Microsoft FaxSvar: (46) (0)8 752 29 00

Switzerland	Microsoft AG

Phone: 01 - 839 61 11

Fax: 01 - 831 08 69

Documentation: Phone: 155 59 00 Fax: 064 - 224294, Microsoft Info-Service, Postfach, 8099 Zürich

Prices, updates, etc.: 01/839 61 11

CompuServe: GO MSEURO (Microsoft Central Europe)

Technical Support Phone:

  (German-speaking)

  Microsoft Excel for Windows: 01 - 342 - 4082

  Microsoft Software für den Apple Macintosh:

  01 - 342 - 4081

Technical Support Phone:

  (French-speaking) 022 - 738 96 88

Turkey	Microsoft Turkey

Phone: (90) 212 2585998

Fax: (90) 212 2585954

United Kingdom	Microsoft Limited

Phone: (44) (734) 270000

Fax: (44) (734) 270002

Upgrades & Registration (44) (81) 614 8000

Technical Support:

  Bulleten Board Service: (44) (734) 270065 (2400 Baud); (44) (734) 270060 (9600 Baud)

  Fax Information Service (44) (734) 270080

  Phone: (44) (734) 271000

Uruguay	See Argentina

Venezuela	Corporation MS 90 de Venezuela S.A.

Technical Support: 58.2.910046, 58.2.910510

Other Information: 58.2.910008, 58.2.914739, 58.2.913342

Fax: 58.2.923835

Wales	See United Kingdom

See Also

Help

Answers to Common Questions About Microsoft Excel

Types of Technical Support

User's Guide

"Microsoft Support Services"