Compacting a spreadsheet?

[test]

Hey guys,

Is there a way to compact an excel spreadsheet? I have a spreadsheet
that imports data and uses pivot tables. The file size seems to be
increasing, but the data isnt. I thought I recalled somewhere where
Microsoft had a tool or command to compact in the XP version. Any
help would be appreciated.

Brian

 

[Dave Peterson]

There's nothing that can compact the file, but you might be able to reduce the
size by resetting the last used cell of each sheet.

If you hit ctrl-end, does it take you way past what you think is the bottom
right most used cell? If yes, take a look at Debra Dalgleish's site to see some
techniques for resetting this:

http://www.contextures.com/xlfaqApp.html#Unused

It seems like pivottables make excel files grow quickly, too. Can you just
store the raw data and rebuild the pivot table (via a macro??) when you need it.

And if you're trying to compress the file for emailing/storage, you may want to
take a look a compression program.

I use winzip (http://www.winzip.com) as my file compression program. It has a
try before you buy policy.

David McRitchie has suggested UltimateZip (http://www.ultimatezip.com) a free
program that zips and unzips.

(I've never used it, but David likes it.)