Error checking is not available when worksheet is protected or workbook is shared in Excel (279306)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Excel 2003
  • Microsoft Excel 2002
This article was previously published under Q279306

SYMPTOMS

When you enter a formula error, such as "divide by zero," in a worksheet cell, the Error Checking Smart Tag (the floating command and message box) does not appear as expected. Additionally, the Error Checking command is not available on the Tools menu.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur because Error Checking is not available when the worksheet is protected or when the workbook is shared.

RESOLUTION

To make the Error Checking command available, make sure that the worksheet is unprotected and the workbook is not shared. To do so, use the appropriate method, as follows. For a Protected Worksheet
  1. On the Tools menu, Error Checking is not available (appears dimmed). On the Tools menu, point to Protection, and then click Unprotect Worksheet.

    Note that Error Checking is now available.

For a Shared Workbook

  1. On the Tools menu, the Error Checking command is not available (appears dimmed). On the Tools menu, click Share Workbook.
  2. In the Share Workbook dialog box, click to clear the Allow changes by more than one user at the same time check box.
  3. Click OK.
  4. You are prompted with the question, "Remove the workbook from shared use?" Click Yes.

    The Error Checking command is now available.

MORE INFORMATION

Worksheets can be protected by pointing to Protection and then clicking Protect Worksheet on the Tools menu.

For more information about protecting worksheets, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type about protected worksheets in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Workbooks can be shared by clicking Share Workbook on the Tools menu and then clicking to select the Allow changes by more than one user at the same time check box.

For more information about sharing workbooks, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type about shared workbooks in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/9/2004
Keywords:kbpending kbprb KB279306
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