XL97: F4 Key Does Not Change Cell Formula Reference

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you try to change a cell reference to absolute, mixed, or relative by using the F4 key, the cell reference may not change.

CAUSE

This problem can occur when you are trying to change the cell reference of an entire row or multiple rows. For example, if you have "=SUM(2:2)" (without the quotation marks) in cell A1 and try to change the reference using the F4 key, nothing happens.

WORKAROUND

To workaround this problem, you can type the formula with the appropriate references.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

If you want the reference to be relative, use "=SUM(2:2)" (without the quotation marks). If you want the reference to be absolute, use "=SUM($2:$2)" (without the quotation marks). An example of a mixed reference would be "=SUM($2:2), (without the quotation marks).

REFERENCES

For more information about absolute and relative references, click the index tab in Microsoft Excel Help, and type the following text:

   references (cell), absolute/relative/mixed