Microsoft Knowledge Base

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.x
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0
• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 5.0, 5.0a

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, when you select multiple worksheets to put them in Group Edit mode, and you use the PLUS SIGN (+) key in place of the EQUAL SIGN (=) key to start a formula, if you also use the multiplication operator (*), the text you enter fails to convert to a formula on grouped sheets other than the active sheet. The active sheet receives the correct formula, although the other sheets may have text with any cell references in the R1C1 reference style.

CAUSE

In Microsoft Excel for Windows, if you use the PLUS SIGN (+) key to enter a formula that starts with a value, and you use the multiplication operator (*), the active sheet receives the formula, but the other sheets may have text entered with any cell references in R1C1 reference style.

In Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, if you use the PLUS SIGN (+) key to enter a formula, when either a number or cell reference follows the plus sign, the formula is entered as text with no equal sign on all sheets after the active sheet. Also, if you type the MINUS SIGN (-) key to start formulas, you may experience problems on the Macintosh when you enter either references or values, and when you use the multiplication operator. This works as expected in Windows.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

You can use the PLUS SIGN (+) key on the numeric keypad or the keyboard to initiate a formula by typing the PLUS SIGN(+) key followed by cell references or numbers with mathematical operators. When you press ENTER, an equal sign is inserted and what was entered becomes a formula that evaluates to a result. You can use this on the numeric keypad for easy entry.

If you enter the formula using the EQUAL SIGN (=) key, all grouped sheets receive the same formula correctly.

If you use the PLUS SIGN (+) key to enter a formula, you do not experience any problem if you then use the addition, subtraction, or division operators in any combination, as long as you avoid using the multiplication operator.