The LINEST function returns an incorrect value in Excel 2003 (887964)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Excel 2003

SYMPTOMS

When you use the LINEST function to calculate the statistics for a line in Microsoft Office Excel 2003, the LINEST function returns an incorrect value.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if there are more than nine significant digits in the source range values that are used by the LINEST function.

RESOLUTION

How to obtain the hotfix

This issue is fixed in the Excel 2003 post-Service Pack 2 P2 Hotfix Package that is dated November 7, 2005. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

903240 Description of the Excel 2003 post-Service Pack 2 hotfix package: November 7, 2005

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To enable this hotfix, follow these steps:
  1. Quit Excel.
  2. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
  3. Locate and then click to select the following registry key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Excel\Options

  4. After you select the key that is specified in step 3, point to New on the Edit menu, and then click DWORD Value.
  5. Type SuppressLINESTRounding, and then press ENTER.
  6. Right-click SuppressLINESTRounding, and then click Modify.
  7. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
  8. On the File menu, click Exit to quit Registry Editor.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/25/2006
Keywords:kbQFE kbbug kbfix kbpubtypekc KB887964 kbAudITPRO
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