In this week’s roundup, prevent errors, break links, register for an Excel summit, download an Advent calendar, and more.
1. Advent Calendar
In 2010, I shared an Excel Advent Calendar, that had formulas on the windows, instead of numbers. There was a bit of programming, so you couldn’t open a window before the appropriate day. Unfortunately, one troublemaker (Doug Glancy) downloaded the calendar in the Pacific Time Zone, where it was still November, and he was able to open all the windows.
This year, I’ve uploaded a new version of the Excel Advent Calendar, which includes a month number check! But, if you want to test it in November, just choose Yes in the Test Mode cell on the Lists sheet. There is also a Reset Calendar button, so you can close all the windows again, after testing.
Create your own formulas for the windows, or use numbers 1 to 24, if you’d prefer something simpler.
2. Prevent Excel Report Errors
It’s easy to make errors in an Excel report, especially if you’re rushing to get things done by the end of the year. Charley Kyd shares seven ways to avoid errors in Excel reports, and these can tips can save you lots of trouble.
3. Break External Links
Doctor Moxie had trouble breaking links in an Excel file, and resorted to drastic measures. Have you ever tried that method? I’ve always had good luck with Bill Manville’s free Find Links add-in.
4. Remove Pivot Table Fields
Eric Svensen shared one of the simplest pivot table tricks that I’ve ever seen, and it can save you lots of time and fiddling. Is this how you remove all the value fields, or do you remove them one at a time?
5. Should the Y-Axis Always Start at Zero?
In a short video, Nathan Yau explains why the y-axis in a chart doesn’t always have to start at zero. As he says, “Y-axes don’t lie to people – people do.”
6. Excel Summit South
Excel MVP Charles Williams just announced the first ever Excel Summit South, to be held in Australia in March 2016. There is a great lineup of speakers and sessions, and you’ll get a 20% discount if you register before December 31, 2015.
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