Excel mystery

Framar

WOW Framer
Joined
Jul 24, 2001
Posts
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Loc
Buffalo, New York, USA/Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Here I go again! In readying the mailer to announce the new website, I decided to print out my newly transfered mailing list from Excel. Only I didn't want the whole thing ( first name, last name, etc, etc, comments) so I HID some of my columns.

SFSG.

I just wanted a list with names and addresses to take to the shop and address postcards in my free time (handwritten in colorful gel pens - no labels for me!).

Success! Printed my list, went to "UNHIDE" the columns, only now they "appear" to have DISAPPEARED! Where did they go? Can I get them back? I have searched everywhere to no avail!

OK, so I lost a few comments and cell phone numbers (I still have them on paper) but what I really hate to lose is that "first name, last name" stuff because I will never be able to alphabetize my list again unless I do it by hand!

Is my hidden data lost? Or can some kind and patient soul tell me where to find it?
 
Good morning

It should still be there.

Try highlighting the whole spreadsheet by clicking on the top left box above the header "1" and to the left of "A".

Click on FORMAT (pulldown menu) -> COLUMN -> UNHIDE.

That should hopefully do it!
Mike
 
Mike, didja ever wonder if Mar and I were separated at birth?
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Betty

(Well, actually we are siblings, but that's another story.)
 
I'm curious about how many of you are using Excel as a database. It seems an awkward way to deal with data that you need to search and sort.

I have a few Excel database files, just because they synchronize to my Palm Pilot nicely using Documents to Go. Otherwise, I use the database component of Microsoft Works for larger databases.

I've taken a few stabs at MS Access, but it gave me a headache. Also, transporting data between works and Excel is pretty straight-forward but getting it into Access is a bit more daunting.
 
Ron

My first computer had Works and that was my learning curve for spreadsheets…..after that first computer everything else had Excel and I just started to use it……I’m nowhere computer literate enough to make any real comparison but from my recollection of Works, Excel would by far be my preference….though don’t ask me what is the difference it is more about the feel of using it in my case

……in any case for business use in Ireland just about everyone uses Excel…….even the schools would have Excel as the default spreadsheet….I can ask just about anyone I know (bar you :D ) for help with Excel…..

The default (for the most part) education standard in Europe ECDL (European Computer Drivers Licence) includes Excel and Access for databases no other database programs are covered in the ECDL
 
I have found a way to use Access that is pretty simple. I know I am not doing 1/10 of 1% that it is capable of doing, but it does what I need, which is keep a good accessible list of my customers, broken down or sorted any way I need them done, and easily converted into mail merge on Word.

All I've really used Excel for is simple spread sheets of, basically, "lists." I keep personal financial lists of expenses such as medical and donations, and farm expenses/income (hahahahaha - oh excuse me,
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just thinking of farm and income in the same sentence is funny! Anyway...) Excel just makes tax time easier by having it all in one place.

I used to use it for business accounting (again - just "lists") until I started using QB.

Then, I developed and used a workorder form, complete with formulas to total the order, until I started using a POS. But I still use it for a caning workorder.

All in all, I don't think I use anything the way it's supposed to be used! I just "finagle" a way to make it work, er "custom" for me!

Betty
 
To answer Ron’s question, I find Excel too cumbersome to format for databases. If I were to use the evil empire’s programs more extensively, I would probably go with FileMaker.

Although this won’t help the Windoze users, I use AppleWorks for nearly everything. It contains Word Processor, Database, Spreadsheet, “Presentation” (sort of like PowerPoint) and some feeble paint and drawing modules. They are all very compatible with each other and switching back and forth between, say, a spreadsheet (for calculations) and a database (for formatting) is very easy.
 
Mike - once again you have saved me!!! THANK YOU!!! (big SIGH of relief!!!)

OK, now that I have this info in my brain, and once I figgered a few things out - I like Excel for my lists! It is easy to work with (if you know how to UNHIDE what you have HID!).
 
Sounds similar to MS Works, Bill.

Using Excel for spreadsheets makes sense. It's a very robust spreadsheet program, but I think it's awkward for data.

Anybody using Lotus 1-2-3 or Visicalc? :D
 
I have Lotus on one of my systems, I never use it, Jean has Visical and could not do her job without it....it's just the sort of data and flow charts she need to present.....
 
I had a friend take my handwriting and turn it into a TrueType font. It works great. It has that personal feel but is also quicker and neater than writing. I don't know how you can get your own script but there are handwritten fonts out there you can d/l.

That’s what I would do sense you didn't ask.Carry on.
 
Remember Lotus 123? The 123 referred to integrating charting and database functions to a development of the Visicalc spreadsheet. Most modern spreadsheet programs, like Excel, retain this basic paradigm. The database function of these spreadsheets is adequate as long as you don't require relational functions and your files are not too large. Most small frame shops need nothing more. If you need more capabilities Access is a useful choice. But, I must add that while the successful (market-wise) Windows database programs have lots of bells and whistles for presentation, they lack much of the capabilities and functions of the old DOS based programs.

Pat
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I had a friend take my handwriting and turn it into a TrueType font.
You can get your handwriting converted at Signature Software . I've always wanted to have it done, but I've been reluctant to spend the $100 or so for it … and when I attempt to fill out the form, I guess I try too hard 'cause I always goof it up.
 
I had a friend take my handwriting and turn it into a TrueType font.
Just what I need, a font that no one can read.
 
Dave and Jay,

There is a commercial font like that. It's called "Physician." :D The only ones who can read it are called "Pharmacists."

I bought a software package at one time (a time when I would buy anything.) I don't remember the procedure, but the ultimate result was to convert your own handwriting to a TrueType font.

I decided a much more noble project would be to try and get my handwriting to look more like a TrueType font.
 
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