help with a few simple things

[slolo312]

Version: 2008 Operating System: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Hi! I am stuck with a few simple tasks. For one, how can I edit data. I cursor does not show up, to remove a space for example. If I try to take out this space the whole number is erased. In other versions of excel that I have used there is a box at the top to make modifications, but this is not seen in the version I am using. I am stumped how to make simple numerical modifications without re-typing the whole number.

Also, when I am trying to do calculations using =C4+C5, for example, I type this in and then hit enter, but the numerical value does not appear. How again do I do calculations without the box at the top of the page to type it in.

Thanks!

 

[Mungo]

Hi! I am stuck with a few simple tasks. For one, how can I edit data. I cursor does not show up, to remove a space for example. If I try to take out this space the whole number is erased. In other versions of excel that I have used there is a box at the top to make modifications, but this is not seen in the version I am using. I am stumped how to make simple numerical modifications without re-typing the whole number.

Couple of things here, repair permissions and restart your mac. 2008 version s/be 12.2.3
in Excel, View>Toolbars, have highlighted standard and formatting are selected.
make sure that ruler, formatting and status are checked on, not full screen.
this must make the "box" visible so you can make modifications.

>
> Also, when I am trying to do calculations using =C4+C5, for example, I type this in and then hit enter, but the numerical value does not appear. How again do I do calculations without the box at the top of the page to type it in.
>

in Excel>Preferences>calculation, make sure that "automatically" is selected.
My test: B4=1, C4=3, B5=2, C5=5
D4=+B4+C4, result is 4
drag formula to D5
D5= +B5+C5, result is 7

 

[CyberTaz]

Further to what Mungo replied, the "box at the top" you're looking for is
called the Formula Bar. Go to the View menu to turn it on. Additionally, you
can edit in the cell if you prefer by either double-clicking the cell or by
selecting it then keying Control+U. If you have a problem with either of the
latter options go to Excel> Preferences - Edit & restore the first check to
"...allow editing directly in cell".

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac