merge worksheets

[DeliaSmith]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I am new to excel and I am trying to compare two versions of an excel database. But the merge worksheet option in the tools drop down is grey. Is there an obvious reason for this? [mac os x 10.5 office 2008]

 

[CyberTaz]

I believe the first paragraph of Excel Help on the topic:

Merge changes from copies of a workbook

will answer your question. You can't just arbitrarily merge 'any' two
workbooks... and note that it pertains to merging books, not sheets

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

 

[DeliaSmith]

I have, of course, read the help files and followed the instructions, or so I thought. I have two workbooks, not worksheets. Both are in the same folder, they have different names. With one open I select <tools<but the menu item "merge workbooks" is greyed out. What am I missing here?

 

[CyberTaz]

The second workbook file must originate as a copy of the first file using
Save As. You can't just pick "any two workbook files" & merge them.

The feature then updates the original based on changes that have been made
in the copy (or copies).

 

[Carl Witthoft]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I am new to excel and I am trying to compare two versions of an excel
database. But the merge worksheet option in the tools drop down is grey. Is
there an obvious reason for this? [mac os x 10.5 office 2008]

Well, what exactly are you trying to compare?
If you just want to see if there are differences in values or formulas,
then try this kludge:

in a fresh worksheet, fill a formula like (where RevA and RevB are the
names of the two worksheets you're comparing)

=IF(RevA!A1 == RevB!A1,"Same","Different")

and see what happens.

 

[DeliaSmith]

I need to compare last years excel database (names and addresses etc) with this years updated version. I need to know which entries have been deleted, which have changed which are new. Very few change from year to year, however, the way I make this comparison is not, I am, sure the most effective way to do it. If there is a "simple" way to flag the entries that have changed I would sure like to know how - Simple being the operative word.