Odd 'automatic' formula behavior

[David French]

I have a user on Windows 2000 Office 2000 SP3.

The formula in question is =SUM(B4:E4) and it is in cell H4.

Columns F and G are normally blank and this is by design.
Seemingly at random, when information is entered into either column F or G
the formula will CHANGE to now INCLUDE that particular column...for instance
in my example above...if a number is entered into F4 the formula changes
ITSELF to =SUM(B4:F4).

This is an undesired 'feature' and would at least like to know WHY it's
happening.

Again, this is rather a random thing...numbers can be entered into row 20
and no change occurs but then it MAY on row 21, row 22 and then NOT in row
23!!

AAAHHHHH
Her Excel is POSESSED!

Dave French
Very confused - MOS XP Master Instructor

 

[Bernard Liengme]

Hi David,
This feature was introduced in Excel2002
To switch it off use Tools | Options; open Edit tab and uncheck the box
"Extend data range formats and formulas"

Alternatively, use =SUM($B4:$E4)

best wishes
Bernard

 

[Peo Sjoblom]

Tools>options>edit, uncheck extend list formats and formulas

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom