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	Excel Tutor - Cyprus

Auditing of Spreadsheets

This lesson explains how to Audit the spreadsheet after completion. The following areas are covered:
1. Understanding the different Error Values of Excel.
2. Using the Go To / Special technique to identify Error Values and Formulas.
3. Using the Formula Auditing Toolbar (enhancement of the Auditing Toolbar of Excel 2000).
3.1 Error Checking Button.
3.2 Trace Precedents Button.
3.3 Trace Error Button.
3.3 New Comment. Explaining also the options available for displaying comments and how to add pictures into comments.
3.4 Circle Invalid Data Button.
3.5 Show Watch Window Button. How you identify with this feature unintentional results or errors sooner.
3.6 Evaluate Formula Button.

Auditing of spreadsheets - Examples

The previous sections explain methods of Error Prevention. This section if focused on Error Detection. The illustration below shows that the use of the Trace Dependence Button (Formula Auditing Toolbar) in cell B15 reveals a possible error. Cell C18 is not a dependent of cell B15 (but it should be since the % of Selling expenses to Sales is calculated by dividing cell B18 by cell B15) and thus the formula in cell C18 may be wrongly constructed or be overwritten.


	A "smart tag" introduced with Excel 2002 is a button that appears after certain actions are made which may involve errors. Users can select a command to resolve the error, ignore it, or access further Error Checking options. To see a Smart Tab Sum a column of cells, leaving out the last in the group. Hover over the cell containing the total and view error checking options. When you click on the exclamation mark button, a menu of options pop down that help you correct the error.


	Another way to audit the spreadsheet is to use auditing programs created by third parties (in the form of Add-Ins). These have advanced features that help users to identify the errors. The Links page gives information on the sites that you can download such software.


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