Forum rules clarification regarding file attachments

**PhoenixFaery** · 06-12-2013, 02:07 PM

Hi, could someone please clarify if it is permissible to attach files with fictitious information that is constructed for testing purposes?

**arlu1201** · 06-12-2013, 02:11 PM

Yes surely permissible.

**Pete_UK** · 06-12-2013, 02:13 PM

Yes, you should change any confidential information before posting. However, try to arrange that the structure of your posted file matches the structure of your real file (same columns/sheetnames etc.) and that the data demonstrates representative variations that you want us to consider - it will make it easier for you to adapt any formulae to your real file.

Hope this helps.

Pete

**PhoenixFaery** · 06-12-2013, 02:20 PM

Thank you for clarifying this for me. I attached a file that was removed because the data was believed to be sensitive, but was all fictitious for testing purposes. I stated that the data was fictitious but the file was still removed.

**Tony Valko** · 06-12-2013, 02:49 PM

In addition to Pete's suggestion...

Make the sample file AS SMALL AS POSSIBLE.

[rant]

We don't need to see 100's or 1000's of rows and dozens of columns worth of data.

I have a personal rule that if the file attachment is larger than 50kb then I just move on.

We only need to see just enough data that demonstrates the problem. Maybe ~20 rows and as few columns as is needed.

If your question deals with 2 specific columns of data why do we need to see all 52 columns? This just makes it harder to concentrate on the real data that's actually related to the question.

[/rant]

**xladept** · 06-12-2013, 02:59 PM

On the other hand, there are problems that are specific to very large files - if that's the kind of problem you're facing then, by all means, post it. To the original question; I believe that most pro's can generate test data as an essential part of their repertoire

**Mordred** · 06-12-2013, 03:53 PM

I have to disagree with Tony, I can't stand it when I open a workbook and it is not exactly as required ie same amount of headers as original as well as sheet numbers if applicable. I don't like having to redo my suggested code because the user only provided "testing" data and now they want code to handle the "real" data sets. I've already had to lightly scold an OP for doing that as I feel it is a waste of my time.

**zbor** · 06-12-2013, 04:07 PM

Agree... What bothers are full columns of some text that makes sheet unreadable. But number of columns is not wight.

**PhoenixFaery** · 06-12-2013, 05:01 PM

Thank you for all the responses. They give useful insight.

**arlu1201** · 06-13-2013, 02:14 AM

I agree with Mordred. If you have 100 columns in your real file, show all 100. If only 5 are important, highlight those so we can concentrate on those 5. But its always good to keep the same number of columns. If we give you a formula / code solution for all 100, it will be easier for you to implement it in your real file. Otherwise, lots of re-work and posts going back and forth, which can be easily avoided and the solution can be given faster.