WD97: Formula in Table Is Incorrect When Using Track Changes (192310)

SYMPTOMS

When you use a function in a table, the results of the function may be incorrect if the Track Changes While Editing Feature is enabled.

Functions that can accept references to table cells include AVERAGE(), COUNT(), MAX(), MIN(), PRODUCT(), and SUM().

CAUSE

The function does not correctly interpret numbers marked for deletion. This problem occurs when you mark deleted text with strikethrough characters, with the pound sign (#), or with a caret (^).

Take, for example, a table with the following values where the value 3 is derived by the function { = SUM(A1:A2)}.

   -----
   | 1 |
   -----
   | 2 |
   -----
   | 3 |
   -----

If you change the value in cell A1 to 2 while you have revision marks enabled, as in this example

   --------
   | (1)2 | (parenthesis represent a revision mark in this example)
   --------
   |  2   |
   --------
   |  3   |
   --------

the resulting value in the updated formula will be incorrect.

   --------
   | (1)2 | (parenthesis represent a revision mark in this example)
   --------
   |  2   |
   --------
   | 14   |
   --------

NOTE: To update the formula, press SHIFT+F9.

The formula interprets the 1 preceding the 2 as part of the value. That is, the formula reads the value as 12; therefore, the sum of the values (12 + 2) is 14.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods.

Method 1 - Accept or Reject the Changes Before You Update Fields

To accept or reject changes, point to Track Changes on the Tools menu, and then click Accept Or Reject Changes.

Method 2 - Hide Tracked Changes Before You Update the Formula

To hide tracked changes, click Track Changes on the Tools menu, and then click to clear the Highlight changes on screen check box.