This issue likely stems from Excel’s Stale Value Formatting, a feature currently available in Microsoft’s beta version of Excel. This feature applies a strikethrough to cells that contain outdated values due to the workbook being in Manual or Partial Calculation Mode.
Many A.CRE models, especially those with data tables, are set to Partial Calculation Mode by default to enhance performance. In Partial Mode, Excel only recalculates specific cells when manually prompted, which may trigger the Stale Value Formatting strikethrough.
To resolve the issue and restore your workbook to normal:
- Switch to Automatic Calculation Mode:
- Open any Excel file.
- Go to the Ribbon and navigate to Formulas > Calculation Options > Automatic.
- This ensures all cells recalculate automatically going forward.
- Disable Stale Value Formatting (Optional):
- Go to Formulas > Calculation Options > Format Stale Values and turn it off.
- This will hide the strikethrough but won’t change the underlying calculation behavior.
How to Avoid This Issue in the Future:
- Understand Default Settings in A.CRE Models:
- Models with data tables are optimized for performance using the ‘Partial Calculation Mode.’ If you prefer to avoid potential stale value indicators, switch to Automatic Calculation Mode after opening a model.
- Check Your Excel Version:
- The Stale Value Formatting feature is specific to Microsoft’s beta version of Excel. If you’re frequently working with A.CRE models and find this behavior disruptive, consider opting out of the beta program.
- Tweak Workbook Settings:
- If using Partial Calculation Mode is beneficial for your workflow but the visual indicators are distracting, disable the Stale Value Formatting in Excel settings (Formulas > Calculation Options > Format Stale Values).