AutoVAR – FAQs
*Please contact AzTech IT if these solutions do not work.
- 1. Is there a preferable way to delete rows in AutoVAR?
Just delete within the VAR_Data records by selecting row(s) and right click delete.
- 2. Is it ok to increase the font size in the VAR_Data Tab fields (the whole table)?
Yes, but just be aware that some reports might not fit well on 8.5 x 11 afterward, but if you are mostly reviewing and not printing, that should be fine.
- 3. Why is automatic calculation turned off?
The AutoVAR data tends to be large for some programs and the calculation time can be excessive, so it’s best to keep it on Manual. Tip: Use AzTech’s Excel Add-in > Admin > Manual to set all open worksheets to Manual calculation. That is AzTech’s preferred setting for all spreadsheets and having even ONE spreadsheet open that is set to Auto Calculation will cause frequent recalculation that might be excruciating to endure.
- 4. Even with automatic calculation turned off, my large AutoVAR file is still calculating very slowly. Why is this?
The AutoVAR data tends to be large for some programs and the calculation time can be excessive, so it’s best to optimize the user of your laptop’s formula calculations by maximizing your processor usage. Tip: Set your Excel tool (via Excel Options > Advanced > Formulas) to enable multi-threaded calculation and also set it so that the maximum number of processors is being used. That is AzTech’s preferred setting.
- 5. Can I have empty rows at the bottom of my data range?
Yes, but best to select those rows, right click, and delete them.
- 6. Is the copy formula function based on the number of rows of data?
If performance is not an issue, then you can ignore this function; it is only required for very large programs where calculation time is taking too long. The Header tab has a value that determines the number of rows to copy down. Please let us know if that function is working correctly, so we can make any necessary fixes.
- 7. The copy formula function should not change my current and cum data, right?
Right, it will leave your green cells alone. Again, let us know if you see otherwise. Always save before running this function and run two or three VARs to do a sanity check on the values.
- 8. When I download the AutoVAR file, it opens with macros disabled. What am I doing wrong?
- First, open a blank Excel spreadsheet.
- Your security settings may be set to automatically disable all macros.
- To check, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings (button on the right), a new window will appear > Macro Settings.
- Ensure that one of two options (radio buttons) are selected. Select either:
- “Disable all macros with notification” – or – “Enable all macros”. The latter is a bit risky depending on the XLS files you work within, but if all are trusted and from known sources, this can help.
- The former, will prompt you before disabling macros, giving you the option to choose NOT to disable macros. One potential issue could be that your current setting is “Disable all macros without notification”.
- If you are running an L-3 machine, it is possible that IT has locked your settings and disabled macros. If this is true, you would need to work with them to request a change to these settings.
- If this does not work, it may be an issue in your trust settings. Google, or use MS Help, to understand all of your trust setting options (Publishers, Locations, Documents), then tweak your settings accordingly to allow AutoVAR to function properly.
- Confirm that Excel Security is set to Medium.
If you are running an L-3 machine, it is possible that IT has locked your settings and disabled macros. If this is true, you would need to work with them to request a change to these settings.
If this doesn’t work, it may be an issue in your trust settings. Google, or use MS Help, to understand all of your trust setting options (Publishers, Locations, Documents), then tweak your settings accordingly to allow AutoVAR to funtion properly.
Check excel security set to medium.