Cannot Remove Error Tracing Arrow in Excel (282140)

SYMPTOMS

When you correct an error found by the Formulas referring to empty cells rule in Microsoft Excel, the Trace Empty Cell arrow changes into a Trace Precedents arrow instead of disappearing as expected.

CAUSE

For an example of this behavior, follow these steps:

On the Tools menu, click Options.
On the Error Checking tab, ensure that the Formulas referring to empty cells check box is selected.
Click OK.
In a new workbook, type =B1 in cell A1.
Select cell A1 and click the Error Checking button.
Click Trace Empty Cell.
Notice that a red Trace Empty Cell arrow appears.
Type 1 into cell B1.
Notice the Trace Empty Cell arrow becomes a blue Trace Precedents arrow.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

Select the cell that the arrow is pointing to.
On the Tools menu, point to Formula Auditing, and then click Show Formula Auditing Toolbar.
Click Remove Precedent Arrows on the Formula Auditing toolbar.

If you have multiple arrows and you want to remove them all at once, do the following:

On the Tools menu, point to Formula Auditing, and then click Remove All Arrows.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue and make the arrows disappear, recalculate the cell with the error after you correct the error, as in the following example:

In cell A1 of a new worksheet, type the formula =A2.

An error indicator appears in cell A1.
Select cell A1.

An Error Checking button appears to the right of cell A1.
Click the Error Checking button next to A1.
Click Trace Empty Cell.

A red Trace Empty Cell arrow appears, pointing to cell B2.
Type 1 in cell B2.

The error indicator disappears from cell A1 and the arrow turns into a blue Trace Precedents arrow.
Click cell A1.
Press F2.
Press ENTER to recalculate.

The arrow disappears.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about error checking, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type about error checking in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.