Indirect function gives Circular error

[BPraveen]

I have some instances, not every instance, where the use of Indirect function gives a Circular Error, even though the action and calculation by the formula are all fine. I have attached the Excel file where these errors are coming. There are two sheets, and the error cells are shaded Yellow.

[kersplash]

I would be avoiding using merged cells containing formulas wherever possible.

[BPraveen]

I tried removing the Merged cells, but the error still shows.

Also, in the Indirect 2 sheet, earlier, when I changed Jan 19 to Feb 19, the error would go away. But now even with that change the error is continuing. The behaviour doesn't seem consistent.

[kersplash]

Can you attach a worksheet that doesn't have merged cells and shows the issue.

[BPraveen]

I have re attached the same sheet, with the merged cells removed. It is still giving the circular error in the same cells.

[MrShorty]

When I open either sample file, I get several "Unable to open filename.xls. Cannot locate the internet server or proxy server" error messages. After attempting and failing to locate all these files, the file shows no sign of any circular reference anywhere. My first guess is that there is something in one or more of those other files that is causing the circular reference error for you, and that Excel's attempts to identify those yellow cells as the source of the circular reference is mistaken. I see nothing in those INDIRECT() formulas that should cause a circular reference. I suspect that finding the source of the circular reference is going to go beyond those INDIRECT() functions. I fear that, because of the large numbers of other files this workbook requires to be available, we may not be able to help you debug this.

[BPraveen]

I opened the file again and it opens fine here. However, I have now broken one link that the file had and am resending it. The circular reference is still showing, and is showing only where the Indirect formula is there.

[MrShorty]

When I open this new file, I get no indication of a circular reference. I don't see anything obvious that would cause a circular reference, so I am not sure why you are getting a circular reference error in your copy of Excel. If I create an obvious circular reference, it is detected, so it is not because my copy of Excel is incapable of detecting circular references.

I guess I cannot help if the problem is not recreated in my copy of Excel.

[BPraveen]

Don't know, looks very strange. In my colleagues computer also it shows the error. However, I did see some strange thing earlier in that file. Initially the error was coming only when is put the Month as Jan, and it went away the moment it was made as Feb or any other month. Later on the error started coming regardless of which month I chosse. So something fishy is happening, an I guess I have to now just give up on it. Thanks for trying.