Works: Incorrect Results When You Move Data in a Spreadsheet Cell (265966)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 6
  • Microsoft Works 7.0
  • Microsoft Works Suite 2001
  • Microsoft Works Suite 2002
  • Microsoft Works Suite 2003
This article was previously published under Q265966

SYMPTOMS

When you use a function in a Microsoft Works spreadsheet and the function contains a range of cells, and you then move the data from one cell to another cell in the range, you receive an incorrect result, as in the following example:
  1. Start Works Spreadsheet.
  2. Type the following data in a new spreadsheet:
       A1: 1
   A2: 2
   A3: 3
   A4: 4
   A5: 5
   A6: 6
   A7: 7
  3. Type the following equation in cell A8:

    =SUM(a1:a7)

    Note that the sum is 28.
  4. Select cell A1.
  5. On the Edit menu, click Cut.
  6. Select cell A5.
  7. On the Edit menu, click Paste.
  8. Select cell A8.

    Note that the result is 14 and not 23 as expected.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because when you move the data in the cell, this changes the cell range that the formula uses for its calculation. In the example in the "Symptoms" section, the formula is changed from =SUM(a1:a7) to =SUM(a5:a7).

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, always check the formulas and the ranges that the formulas use whenever you move (drag, or cut and paste) data within a spreadsheet. If the range changes, follow these steps:
  1. Click the cell that contains the formula with the range that you want to change.
  2. On the Formula bar, type the correct range inside the parentheses of the function.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/24/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB265966
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.