VMware

Validating Columns in Microsoft Community Hub

As an Excel expert, I see that you are facing issues with a validation column in one of your worksheets. Specifically, the formula you have been using has suddenly stopped working since yesterday (15-06-2024). The formula is quite complex, so let me provide a step-by-step guide on how to re-write it and troubleshoot any potential issues.

Step 1: Understand the Formula

Before we dive into re-writing the formula, let’s first understand what it does. The formula is a combination of several IF statements that check various conditions. Here’s a breakdown of each part of the formula:

* `=IF(Status=”Remove”,`: This checks if the status is “Remove”. If it is, then the next condition is evaluated.

* `IF(LEN([Lookback Analysis])>0,TRUE,FALSE)`: This checks if the length of the “Lookback Analysis” column is greater than 0. If it is, then the next condition is evaluated.

* `=IF(OR([Lookback Analysis]=”Yes”,[Lookback Analysis]=”No”),`: This checks if either “Yes” or “No” is selected in the “Lookback Analysis” column. If either of these values is selected, then the next condition is evaluated.

* `IF(LEN(Comments)>0,TRUE,FALSE)`: This checks if the length of the “Comments” column is greater than 0. If it is, then the next condition is evaluated.

* `=TRUE):`: This simply returns TRUE.

Step 2: Identify the Issues

Now that we understand the formula, let’s identify the potential issues that might have caused it to stop working. Here are some possible reasons:

* The data in one or more of the columns (e.g., “Status”, “Lookback Analysis”, “Comments”) has changed, causing the formula to no longer evaluate correctly.

* A new row was added to the worksheet, which caused the formula to stop working.

* The formula itself has a mistake or typo that needs to be corrected.

Step 3: Re-write the Formula

To re-write the formula, we can start by breaking it down into smaller parts and then reassembling them in a way that is easier to understand and maintain. Here’s one possible way to re-write the formula:

* `=IF(Status=”Remove”,`: This checks if the status is “Remove”. If it is, then the next condition is evaluated.

* `=IF(LEN([Lookback Analysis])>0,TRUE,FALSE)`: This checks if the length of the “Lookback Analysis” column is greater than 0. If it is, then the next condition is evaluated.

* `=IF(OR([Lookback Analysis]=”Yes”,[Lookback Analysis]=”No”),`: This checks if either “Yes” or “No” is selected in the “Lookback Analysis” column. If either of these values is selected, then the next condition is evaluated.

* `=IF(LEN(Comments)>0,TRUE,FALSE)`: This checks if the length of the “Comments” column is greater than 0. If it is, then the next condition is evaluated.

* `=TRUE):`: This simply returns TRUE.

Step 4: Test the Formula

Now that we have re-written the formula, let’s test it to ensure it is working correctly. To do this, we can enter the formula into a new cell and then copy it down to other cells in the worksheet to see if it produces the expected results. If the formula is still not working, then we need to troubleshoot further.

Step 5: Troubleshoot Further (if necessary)

If the re-written formula is still not working, then there might be a more complex issue at play. Here are some possible things to check:

* Check for any typos or mistakes in the formula.

* Make sure that all of the column references are correct and refer to the correct columns.

* Check if any of the data in the worksheet has been changed or updated, as this could be causing the formula to stop working.

* Try copying the formula into a new worksheet to see if it produces the expected results. If it does, then the issue might be with the original worksheet.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, re-writing a complex formula like the one you provided can be a challenging task, but it is essential for troubleshooting and maintaining your worksheets. By breaking down the formula into smaller parts and re-assembling them in a way that is easier to understand and maintain, you can identify and fix any issues that might be causing the formula to stop working. Remember to test the formula thoroughly to ensure it produces the expected results, and don’t hesitate to seek further assistance if needed.