Excel can't multiply - Major bug found

[HEXUS]

It's a given that every major software release, being the complex things that they are, has a few bugs here and there... but this multiplication bug in Excel 2007 is a pretty big oversight on Microsoft's part.

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[schmunk]

Which is why I'm sitting here using Office 2003 (for a very large employer), and probably will be for the next several years, and why at my last (even very larger) employer we were using a 2 generation old version of Lotus Notes, as whilst cost is a factor, reliability is always the most important factor in a business environment.

[pauldarkside]

I was always taught never to rely solely on a calculator - use your noggin to at least estimate the result

I'm really surprised that automated testing didn't flag this bug. I wonder if it was present in the beta versions or has crept in via subsequent patching?

[SiM]

Microsoft like to release software when its not ready - people pay to beta test it!

When will people learn that Microsoft software/OS's are only ready after at least a year of bug fixes...

(patiently waiting for Vista to be ready...)

[directhex]

you get what you pay for

[vinnyT]

"...using Excel 2007 and they're now checking all their formulas as this could have a major impact on their clients' spreadsheets." You think! Can't wait for my next tax bill (you can just bet that all those wonderful people down at the revenue offices are using Office 2007)

[Chimaera_5]

Which is why I'm sitting here using Office 2003 (for a very large employer), and probably will be for the next several years, and why at my last (even very larger) employer we were using a 2 generation old version of Lotus Notes, as whilst cost is a factor, reliability is always the most important factor in a business environment.

Absolutely, we're currently undertaking the upgrade to 2003, i can see the new OXML format pushing 2007 forward a bit but i can't see it within the next few years.

The Vista upgrade is an interesting one because so many large companies use remote login software that employees who buy a new PC find they can't use as they're not Vista compatable.

[xrob]

slightly worrying

[charleski]

1, 2, 3, lots
What more do you need?

[schmunk]

"...using Excel 2007 and they're now checking all their formulas as this could have a major impact on their clients' spreadsheets." You think! Can't wait for my next tax bill (you can just bet that all those wonderful people down at the revenue offices are using Office 2007)

I'll bet you eleventy billion pounds that they're not.

[mark19632]

Damm that Office 2007 roll out we just completed.......better go tell finance!

[mark19632]

however it jsut seem to "display" incorrectly, for example if you times that cell by somthing it give the correct result.

[badass]

I'm currently trying to work out how I can get our budget increased by more than finance want by installing Excel 2007 on their machines.

[smugla]

Im starting to think microsoft do this so that it can be fixed with a update
And so anyone with a illegal version will have a broken version

[TheAnimus]

yes smugla, because that would make business sense!

I'm guessing this is a problem with the new xloper structure, its one of those hideous extensions of an extention type things, i'd imagine the blame is there.

However, someone at testing should be dusting of their CV right now.

[Webby]

On the plus side it can divide to get 65,535!