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Monday, October 22, 2012

How to Format the Toolbar Font Drop Down Menu in Excel 2007

1. Open Microsoft Excel 2007 on your computer screen.
2. Click on the circular button at the top of the screen that contains the 'Office' logo.
3. Click the 'Excel Options' button followed by the 'Customize' menu option.
4. Use the 'Customize' menu on-screen to make the necessary changes to both your main toolbar as well as to the font drop down-menu in Excel 2007. If you want to remove something from either menu, click on its name and click 'Remove.' To add a command to either menu, click on its name and click 'Add.'
5. Click 'OK' to save the changes you've just made to your Microsoft Excel 2007 toolbar and font drop-down menu.

How to Find Hidden Macros in an Excel Spreadsheet

Finding Macros with the Macro Tools in Excel
1. Open Excel normally.
2. Click on the 'Developer Tab.'
3. Click on the button labeled 'Macros.' A dialog box will pop up. The dialog box will have all the Macros available on all open workbooks. You can select 'Macros' there and delete them.
Finding Macros with the Visual Basic Editor
4. Open Excel normally.
5. Click on the 'Developer Tab.'
6. Click on the button labeled 'Visual Basic.' The Visual Basic editor will pop up. On the left hand pane, there will be a list of every single Macro that Excel has loaded; this will include Macros that are hidden from the Macros dialog box. You can select 'Macros' here and delete them individually, or look over their code.

How to Update Microsoft Excel

1. Use the update feature in Excel. Click the 'Office' logo in the top left corner. Click 'Options.' Click the 'Resources' tab. Click 'Check For Updates' under the 'Get Updates' title. The program will automatically search for updates and download them.
2. Use Microsoft Windows Updater. Click the 'Start Menu,' and type 'Check For Updates' in the 'Start Search' bar. Hit 'Enter' on the keyboard. Windows updater will open. Click 'Download Updated.' Windows Updater will download updates for Excel, Windows and all other Microsoft programs.
3. Upgrade Excel. Excel will only update the version of the software that is installed, not upgrade to a new version. Updating to a new version is considered an upgrade. For example, an update will not turn Excel 2007 into Excel 2010; this requires an upgrade.

How to Open a Protected Excel 2003 in Excel 2007

1. Click “Start,” select “All Programs,” open the “Microsoft Office” folder and then click “Microsoft Excel” to open Excel 2007.
2. Click “File” and then click “Open” to access the files on your computer.
3. Browse through the files on your computer for the password protected Excel 2003 worksheet you want to open in Excel 2007.
4. Select the file in question and click “Open” to open the worksheet.
5. Type in the password for the protected worksheet and then click “OK' to access the file. If you don’t know the password, you’ll have to ask the creator of the file for it or download a password remover from the Internet. Examples of password removing software include Excel Password, Excel Key and Excel Password Cracker (see Resources).
6. Click “File,” “Save As,” select the file type 'Excel 97-2003' and then click “Save.” Saving the file in this way will allow the file to be opened in older editions of Excel as well as the newer editions of Excel.

How to Create a Legend for a Spreadsheet

Chart Legend
1. Create a chart from existing data within a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Note that legends aren’t recommended for use with pie charts. Labels should be used instead.
2. Go to “Insert” and select “Chart.”
3. Select your chart type. Press “Next.”
4. Select your data range. Either enter the range of cells manually or press the small button to the right of the range box. Highlight the cells you wish to include in your chart. Choose the “Series” tab to further customize your data range. Press “Next.”
5. Enter a title for your chart, X axis and Y axis.
6. Select the “Legend” tab. Check “Show Legend” and choose where to place the legend.
7. Press “Next” and choose where to place your chart. Press “Finish” to complete the process.
Spreadsheet Legend
8. Select a range of cells to place in your chart. The range should be near your data, such as the top, bottom or sides of the data.
9. Type the word “Legend” in the first cell of your range.
10. Type each item you wish to include in your legend. This should be a description of each item, not the symbol or color.
11. Highlight each item cell with the color used within your spreadsheet data if your legend is based upon colors. Select the cell and select the “Highlight” button on the “Formatting” toolbar. Use the drop-down arrow beside the “Highlight” button to choose different colors.
12. Enter the appropriate symbol beside each item cell in your legend if you used symbols instead of colors. Symbols often include arrows, dollar symbols, pound signs or asterisks.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

How to Change the Vertical Axis on an Excel Bar Chart

1. Click on the vertical axis of the bar graph.
2. Click on the 'Layout' tab under 'Chart Tools.'
3. Click on 'Format Selection.' The first tab in the pop-up window, 'Axis Options,' allows you to change general options like the interval between tick marks and placement of axis labels. For example, if you want the vertical axis labels to appear in front of the bars (as opposed to sitting in the middle), click on the 'Between tick marks' radio button under 'Position Axis.'
4. Select the placement for the vertical axis from the 'Axis Options' tab. For a vertical axis below the bar graph, choose 'low' from the drop-down menu next to 'Axis labels.' For an axis above the bars, choose 'High' from the drop-down menu.
5. Click on the 'Fill' tab from within the 'Format Selection' pop-up window to give your numbers a background or fill. Click on the 'Gradient Fill' radio button for a gradient fill, or click on 'Solid Fill' for a solid background to the numbers.
6. Change the alignment of the text from horizontal (reading across) to vertical (reading from top to bottom) by clicking on the 'alignment' tab and choosing 'Rotate all text 90 degrees' from the drop-down options box next to 'Text direction.' You can also choose custom angles and set margins from within this tab.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

How to Recover Unsaved Word Documents if a Computer Turns Off

Turn on the AutoSave Option
1. Open the Word file.
2. Click the 'File' tab on the command Ribbon. A list of basic commands opens.
3. Click the 'Options' button. A dialog window opens.
4. Click 'Save.' This link appears in the left pane. A dialog window opens.
5. Click to select the check box for 'Save AutoRecover information every 'X' minutes.' This option appears in the 'Save documents' section.
6. Type the number of minutes, such as 10, to specify the timed intervals.
7. Click to select the check box for 'Keep the last autosaved version if I close without saving.'
8. Click 'OK.'
Access the Document Recovery Pane
9. Open the Word program. The unsaved Word file may open with the Document Recovery task pane to the left. One to three versions of the file may display in the 'Available Files' text box.
10. Click a file version from the 'Available files' list. The drop-down displays three commands: open, save as and delete.
11. Click the preferred command for the version you chose. Click 'Open' to review and continue working on the file. Click 'Save As' to create a file name. Click 'Delete' to remove the file.
12. Save your changes.

How to Convert Rows Into Columns

1.
Open Excel and input the following data going across in cells 'A3 through L3' the months January through December. In cells 'A4 through L4' enter random figures as shown in the illustration. (NOTE: You can use an existing chart of your own, instead.)
2. Highlight the range starting from cells 'A3 through L4'. Do this by placing the mouse pointer in cell A3 and left-clicking the mouse once. While still holding down the mouse pointer, drag it to cover the last cell position in the range of data which is column L and row 4 (L4) and then let go of the mouse.
3.
Select 'Edit' and then choose 'Copy' from the toolbar menu.
4.
Place the mouse pointer in cell 'A6'. Right-click and select 'Paste Special.'
5.
Under the Paste section in the Paste Special dialogue box, place a check next to 'All', and under the Operation section, check 'None.' Finally, check 'Transpose' near the bottom of the Paste Special dialog box and then press 'OK.'
6.
Verify that the data has been transposed correctly. To clean up the spreadsheet proceed to Step 7.
7.
Highlight rows 3 and 4 by placing the mouse pointer at the beginning of row 3. Left-click and hold down the mouse to cover row 4 and then release the mouse. Right-click and press 'Delete.'
8.
Verify that the conversion was successful by viewing the data. Make further adjustments, deleting extra rows or adding titles as needed.

Friday, October 19, 2012

How to Make My Excel Spreadsheet Interactive

Use the 'Share Workbook' Command
1. Open the Excel file.
2. Click the 'Review' tab on the command Ribbon.
3. Click 'Share Workbook' in the 'Changes' group. A 'Share Workbook' dialog box appears.
4. Click the 'Editing' tab on the 'Share Workbook' dialog box.
5. Click to select the check box for 'Allow changes by more than one user at the same time. This also allows workbook merging.'
6. Click the 'Advanced' tab in the 'Share Workbook' dialog box.
7. Select the radio buttons for options, such as 'Track changes' and 'Conflicting changes between users.'
8. Click 'OK.'
9. Click 'Save' on the 'File' tab. If this workbook is a new file, the 'Save As' dialog window appears. Type the file name in the 'File name' text box. Click the location where the file should save, such as the Desktop or a named folder. Click 'Save.'
Use 'Windows Live SkyDrive'
10. Sign in to your 'Windows Live' account. A 'Hotmail' screen appears.
11. Click the 'SkyDrive' button at the top of the screen. A list of documents appears. If you do not see your Excel file, type the file name in the 'Search documents' text box.
12. Click the Excel file. The workbook appears on the 'Excel Web App' dialog window.
13. Click the preferred buttons, such as 'Edit in Browser' or 'Share.' The 'Edit in Browser' link brings up the command Ribbons with the 'Home', 'Insert' and 'View' tabs and commands.
14. Edit the worksheet. The workbook saves automatically.
15. Click the 'Share' button. A list of options appears.
16. Click 'Permissions.' The 'Edit Permissions' window appears.
17. Click the slider button on the 'Who can access this' slider. The choices range from 'Me' to 'Everyone (public).'
18. Select the 'Can edit' option in the text box.
19. Type a contact name or email address in the text box.
20. Click 'Save.' The Excel file is emailed to your recipient.
21. Close this application. The 'Documents' list appears. The Excel file includes an updated 'Date modified.' The 'Shared with' column also updates.

How to Delete All Unprotected Cells in Excel Spreadsheet

1. Open the spreadsheet containing the unprotected cells that you want to delete. Go to the 'Edit' menu in Excel 2003 and select 'Find.' Go to the 'Editing' group on the 'Home' tab in Excel 2007 or 2010 and click 'Find and Select.' Choose 'Find' from the drop-down menu. You can also use the keyboard shortcut 'Ctrl F' to open the 'Find' dialog box.
2. Click the 'Options' button to expand the 'Find' dialog box. Click the 'Format' button to open the 'Find Format' dialog box.
3. Go to the 'Protection' tab of the 'Find Format' dialog box.
4. Clear the 'Locked' check box by clicking inside it to remove the check mark. Click 'OK.'
5. Click the 'Find All' button. Excel will select all of the unprotected cells in the spreadsheet, which may take a few minutes.
6. Press 'Ctrl A' to select all of the results. Click 'Close' on the find dialog box. Press the 'Delete' key or right-click any selected cell and choose 'Clear Contents.'

How to Convert Wb3 Files to Xls

Quattro Pro Users
1. Launch Quattro Pro.
2. Go to 'File,' 'Open' and double-click the WB3 file you wish to convert.
3. Go to 'File,' 'Save As' and choose 'Microsoft Excel 97/2000/2002/2003' from the drop-down list, then click 'Save.'
Excel 97 or 2000 Users
4. Download and install the Quattro Pro converter from Microsoft for Excel 97 or Excel 2000.
5. Launch Excel.
6. Go to 'File' 'Open' and select the WB3 file you wish to change into an XLS file.
7. Go to 'File,' 'Save As' and choose 'Excel Workbook (*.xls)' from the drop-down menu, then click 'Save.'
Excel 2003 Users
8. Launch Excel.
9. Go to 'File,' 'Open' and choose 'Quattro Pro/DOS files' from the 'Files of Type' drop-down. Navigate to the folder where your WB3 file is located and double-click on it.
10. Go to 'File,' 'Save As' and choose 'Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls)' from the 'Save as Type' list, then click 'Save.'

How to Compare Cells in Excel

1. Open a new Excel worksheet. Enter or import the first set of data into column A.
2. Enter or import the second column of data into Column C of the same worksheet. Leave Column B empty.
3. Type this formula in cell B1: '=IF(ISERROR(MATCH(A1,$C$1:$C$#,0)),'',A1)', replacing # with the row number of the last value in column C.
4. Select cells in column B, starting at B1 and dragging your mouse down to the cell that corresponds to the last row in columns A and/or C.
5. Go to the Home tab, click on 'Fill,' then select 'Down' from the drop-down menu to finish comparing the cells. Any duplicate numbers will appear in column B between the relevant cells in columns A and C.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

How to Learn Microsoft Office Excel

1. Open up Excel on your computer. You'll be greeted with a fresh spreadsheet. Play around with the software by typing data into blank cells. To get a quick understanding of Excel, some people dive right in to the process. Not every person learns by reading a book, so get an idea of what you can do before moving on to tutorials. Excel shouldn't be seen as on-the-job drudgery. You can balance checkbooks, use it for taxes and even create word puzzles. You can find lots of games to play on websites such as www.willard.k12.mo.us/co/tech/msexcel.htm that will teach you the basics while having fun.
2. Visit Microsoft Office's website for a list of training manuals and demos (see Resources). Manuals will give you step-by-step instructions on how to use Excel. Training sessions run between 30-50 minutes long, so you can choose how long to spend learning. Demos show users how to properly and time efficiently use the program.
3. Buy books that demonstrate the different functions of Excel. 'Microsoft Office Excel 2003 Step by Step' by Curtis Frye, 'Excel 2003 Bible' by John Walkenbach, and 'Excel 2003 for Dummies' by Greg Harvey are wonderful training books. You can find them at Amazon.com or www.powells.com. Check you local library's collection for these books and others written about Excel.
4. Take a class at your local library or community college. There are bountiful classes that will cover the basics and advanced skills of Excel. Prices for a class differ for those who have in-state-residency compared to those who are out-of-state. By taking a class, you are able to have one-on-one time with the teacher who can troubleshoot all of your questions. For people who are new to computers or learn better by instruction, this is the most recommended suggestion.
5. Practice on a free Excel tutorial online. You can go to www.baycongroup.com/el0.htm to use a free trail of Excel and learn how to improve your skills.
6. Meet other people learning Excel on an online message boards at www.ozgrid.com/forum/ or www.mrexcel.com/forum/index.php. You can complain, praise, or ask questions about Excel to people with a wide range of Excel skills. Oftentimes just by having an virtual support group can get you through the trails of Excel.

How to Remove Everything After a Character in Excel 2007

1. Start Excel 2007. Open the worksheet you want to use by clicking 'Open' in the menu linked to the round 'Office' button.
2. Identify the cell you want to trim. The cell's name is a combination of the letters printed across the top row of the worksheet and the numbers printed at the leftmost column. By default, the first cell in your spreadsheet will be 'A1.' The currently selected cell is always listed just above the first row containing the cell labels.
3. Choose a blank cell close to the cell you want to remove characters from and click on it to make it the currently active cell.
4. Type '=LEFT(' followed by the name of the cell you want to trim, a comma, and 'SEARCH(.' For example, if you want to trim the contents of cell 'A1,' you would write '=LEFT(A1,SEARCH(.' The Excel 2007 formula bar, which is located immediately to the right of the cell label, shows you the formula you're currently writing.
5. Write the final character you want preserved, making sure to put it between quotes, and then type a comma, the name of the cell again and two closing parentheses. For example, if cell 'A1' contains the phrase 'abcefg' and you want to remove everything after the letter 'c,' the formula bar should read '=LEFT(A1,SEARCH('c',A1)).'
6. Hit the 'Enter' key.

How to Change the Decimal Place in Cells in Microsoft Excel 2003

1. Highlight the cell in which you wish to change the decimal place. Simply left-click on that cell with your mouse.
2. Access the cell-formatting menu. Scroll to the “Format” tab on the command bar and select “Cells.” A cell-formatting-properties box will open.
3. Access the number submenu. Scroll to the “Number” section in the drop-down menu of the cell-formatting-properties box and left-click.
4. Change the cell decimal place. A “Decimal Places” subsection will appear to the right. Click on the up and down arrows to modify the decimal places. Then click on 'OK' to implement these changes.

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