#REF error message

[Manoj K. Padhi]

Sir

In order to increase number of columns, I copied some
valuable datas in existing columns of a worksheet and
paste-linked it in a different work sheet. After
that, by mistake I deleted those base columns. Now the
pasted columns & rows are showing #REF message. I do
not have the rough sheet even to feed those datas
again.

I've already tried:
1. System restore: Unsuccessful
2. =INDIRECT()command: Can't understand how to link it
indirectly etc...

Can you please help me to retrieve those datas as it
was there till 10.09.2006 before I deleted it!

Regards
Mr.M.K.Padhi
State of Orissa,
INDIA
E-mail: (e-mail address removed)

 

[JLatham]

I'm afraid I am the bearer of bad news.

First: System Restore only restores operating system/driver related
files/settings. It does nothing for other application's data files such as
..xls files you've created.

If you deleted the source rows/columns from the first workbook and you do
not have a backup copy of that workbook, you are out of luck. The data is
lost.

There is one possibility, but because you've already opened the workbook and
gotten the #REF errors, this probably won't work.

Open the workbook with the #REF errors. From the menu bar choose Edit |
Links and click the [Startup Prompt...] button at the lower right of the
dialog. Try choosing the middle option. Close the workbook and reopen it.
If the data appears to be there, choose DON'T UPDATE and then you can copy
and Edit | Paste Special with Value checked to create a permanent copy of it
all.

If the data appears to be there and you get confused with any of this, just
close the workbook WITHOUT saving changes so that it will still be there when
you open it again later after getting more help with it.

But I think you're going to find the #REF still there.