EXCEL doesn't want to format header row as a part of table

[mlohavakraljica]

Hello everybody!

I apologize in advance if this post isn't supposed to be under this forum, but I'm new and desperate. The problem is following: I have a table that functionned pretty well until few days ago. There were several columns and some of them featured DATEDIF function, Date picker and custom Macros made by myself (for currency calculations and provision). Except for few bugs with the macros which I've handled, everything was ok. Then, suddenly, the header columns lost the ability to sort the data. There is no more arrows that allow you to choose sorting options. It looks like this: data-header.JPG. And when I try to format is as table, it doesn't apply on the header row. I tried several times. Then I opened a new file and copied the table content from previous file, and tried to format but nothing happened. Afterwards, I searched for formula, cell errors. Except for few minor inconveniences, it was ok. No values were inserted wrongly. But, I remarked that in the column which had to use macro for conversion (@column+7.5) a small green triangle appeared. It looks like this: error-crop.png. I thought this may be the problem. Then I copied the table to new file, and started deleting columns that contained macros one by one. Even then I didn't succeed in formating the header as it used to be. I only didn't try to delete the date picker columns, but I don't believe that the problem lies there. Oh, yes, and I tried to manually insert headers, one by one, but even that didn't work.

Please, help me, I'm desperate. I tried to search the Internet for solutions, but none of them fitted my problem. I only hope that I won't need to manually copy cell by cell in a new file because it will kill me.

Thanks in advance,
Tea

[Glenn Kennedy]

Will you please attach a SMALL sample Excel workbook (10-20 rows of data is usually enough)? Please don't attach a picture of one (no-one will want to re-type all your stuff before starting).

1. Make sure that your sample data are truly REPRESENTATIVE of your real data. The use of unrepresentative data is very frustrating and can lead to long delays in reaching a solution.

2. Make sure that your desired solution is also shown (mock up the results manually).

3. Make sure that all confidential information is removed first!!

4. Try to avoid using merged cells. They cause lots of problems!

Unfortunately the attachment icon doesn't work at the moment. So, to attach an Excel file you have to do the following: Just before posting, scroll down to Go Advanced and then scroll down to Manage Attachments. Now follow the instructions at the top of that screen.

[mlohavakraljica]

Dear Glenn,

thanks so much on the advices, I didn't have the slightest idea that images could be repelling.
So the sample of the problem is in file excel-problem, and the desired solution is in file excel-help.
The strange thing is that when I copied this first 20 rows to make a desired solution version, I was able to format it as table.
But when I select all the data in original table, copy it, and try to format it as table - it doesn't function.

Please, if you have any idea how to fix it, I will be extremly thankful.

Best regards,
Tea

[JeteMc]

I believe that you have answered your own question. As you have done in the 'help' file put headers in B1, H1, L1 and I1. If you want to have those cells display as blank set the font to RGB 237, 125, 49 so that it matches the background.
Let us know if you have any questions.

[mlohavakraljica]

Dear Jete,

thanks for help. I think I didn't explain well the problem. The columns which are blank in the two documents were filled with personal data which i erased. The most important for me is to find out why my 250-columns large table doesn't have anymore the header like in file excel-help.
For some reason, probably macros (but why? what?) the header won't display as usual, with those small arrows that allow you to sort your data. I hope I was a bit more clear than before.

Huge thanks in advance for your help,
Tea

[JeteMc]

Two things I found in this article from Microsoft that might apply:
1) Although I could not find information on a maximum number of filtered columns in an 'Excel Table' there is a limit for a 'Pivot Table' (256 or limited by available memory) and I wonder if those limitations would apply. Perhaps try opening the workbook with all other programs closed.
2) 'Excel Tables' are not allowed in workbooks that have the 'Allow changes by more than one user' setting enabled.
Sorry not to be of more help.