Template Setup & Excel Help
Use this checklist when totals look wrong, dates format incorrectly, rows disappear, dashboard numbers do not update, or pasted data behaves strangely.
Best for: customers whose workbook totals, dates, filters, or dashboard results do not look right.
Important: This checklist covers common spreadsheet issues. If you made heavy custom changes, the fastest fix may be restoring from a backup.
Quick checks
- Clear filters and check whether rows are hidden.
- Confirm you entered data in the correct month, category, or section.
- Look for old sample data or duplicate entries.
- Make sure dates are real dates, not text.
- Check that amounts are numbers, not copied text with symbols or spaces.
- Compare the formula area with a clean backup copy.
- Save, close, and reopen the workbook if calculations appear stuck.
Common symptoms
| Section | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Dashboard total is too high | Check duplicates, wrong dates, hidden rows, or entries counted in more than one section. |
| Dashboard total is too low | Check missing rows, filters, blank required fields, or data entered outside the expected range. |
| Dates look wrong | The cell format may be wrong or pasted data may be text. |
| Formulas show as text | The cell may be formatted as text or formulas may have been pasted incorrectly. |
| Rows disappeared | A filter or hidden row setting may be active. |
| Formatting changed | External formatting may have been pasted into the workbook. |
Safe fix order
- Save a copy before experimenting. Do not troubleshoot on the only copy of the file.
- Clear filters. Make all rows visible before comparing totals.
- Check recent edits. Most problems are near the last rows or columns changed.
- Compare with a blank template. Look at formulas, row structure, and tab names.
- Restore if needed. If the file is badly damaged, restore from backup and re-enter recent data carefully.
- Contact support. Send the template name, issue, screenshot, and what you tried.
FAQ
Why did pasted data break formatting?
Copying from websites or systems can bring hidden formatting. Use paste values when possible.
Can I add rows?
Only if the template instructions support it. Some formulas may depend on fixed ranges.
Why are numbers left-aligned?
They may be stored as text. Convert them to numbers before relying on totals.
What if I see formula errors?
Compare the formula cell to the same cell in a clean backup copy.
Should I delete rows with mistakes?
It may be safer to clear contents or restore from backup, depending on the template structure.
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