Default reference type

[Russ.Dilley]

I recently upgraded to Excel 2003 and it apparently has a new default
behavior for defining references when building formulas. In past
versions, when building a formula, I could click on a cell to insert a
reference to that cell. The default behavior has always been to assume
that it is a relative reference unless explicitly told otherwise (via
the F4 key). Now it shows that behavior when referencing cells in a
particular worksheet, but when referring to different worksheets in the
same workbook it assumes an absolute reference.

Based on the documentation this should be the default when referencing
other workbooks but not worksheets within the same workbook.

I would like Excel to ALWAYS assume that I want a relative reference.
Is this a setting I can change to do this?

Thanks,
Russ D.

 

[Dave Peterson]

I couldn't duplicate your findings.

I started a new workbook, added a second sheet, type = in A1 of the first sheet
and then pointed at A1 of the second sheet.

It returned a formula with relative references.

 

[Russ]

It seems to be inconsistent. I'm still working in the same workbook as
when I initially posted the message but am no longer getting that
behavior. It's possible that I'm inadvertently changing the default
reference type somehow.

I'll have to experiment to try to establish some consistency in the
behavior.

I appreciate the response.

Thanks,
Russ D.

 

[Dave Peterson]

I've never seen any setting that controls this.

If you can reproduce the behavior, please post back with the details.