Works: Troubleshooting Circular References in Works (79970)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 2.0
  • Microsoft Works 2.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0
  • Microsoft Works 3.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0b
  • Microsoft Works 4.5
  • Microsoft Works 4.5a
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0 4.0a
This article was previously published under Q79970

SUMMARY

If a Works for Windows spreadsheet contains a circular reference, the word CIRC will display in the right side of the status bar. Unlike Excel, Works will not tell you which cell the circular reference is in. The only way to locate a circular reference is to turn the display of formulas on by selecting Show Formulas from the Options menu and to look for the circular reference.

In Works version 3.0 for Windows or Works 4.0, 4.5, and 4.5a for Windows 95, select Show Formulas from the View menu and look for the circular reference.

MORE INFORMATION

A circular reference occurs when a formula refers to the cell that contains the formula. The following are two examples of circular references:

  1. Cell A10 contains the formula:

    =SUM(A1:A10)

  2. Cell A1 contains the formula

    =B1

    while cell B1 contains the formula:

    =A1

The only way to resolve a circular reference is to change the formula so it has a beginning value from which to calculate.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/15/2004
Keywords:kbinfo KB79970
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.