How to delete info without deleting entire form?

O

onquest

I created my first spreadsheet today. I want to keep the basic form
permanently so that each day I can delete the previous days data without
deleting any of the permanent form. Can this be done without risking
deleting or messing up the basic form?

Thanks.
 
J

JulieD

Hi

yes, the best way is to protect the cells that you don't want to accidently
delete -
however, protection in excel works like this
first you need to choose the cells that you don't want protected
then you need to choose format / cells - protection and untick the "locked"
box
once you've done this to all the cells that you want to be able to get to
choose tools / protection / protect sheet
this will stop you accidently typing in the protected cells but will allow
you to type in the other ones.

hope this helps
Cheers
JulieD
 
R

Ragdyer

The Best way to approach this is to create a *true* XL template.

With a true template, when you open the WS, you really open a *copy* of the
original, which you can add data to and save with a new name, or throw away
when you're finished with it, while the original remains untouched.

To make a template, first create your workbook and make sure you're
satisfied with everything.
Then, <File> <SaveAs>,
And at the bottom of the "SaveAs" window, expand the "SaveAsType" box,
And click on "Template(*.xlt).
Assign a name to this template in the "FileName" box, then <Save>.

Now, to open a *copy* of this sheet, click on,
<File> <New> <General> tab,
And click on the file name that you just created.
A WB will open with the original name that you assigned to the template, but
it will also have a "1" appended to it, meaning that this is the first copy
of the template currently opened.
You could open as many copies of the template as you wish, all at the same
time, with each one having a unique sequential number appended to the
original name, which allows the users to keep track of exactly which one
they may be working on.

All this is taking place while the *original* is safely stored, untouched,
in the templates folder.
An accidental *save* of one of the open copies has no effect on the
original.

NOW, in order to actually revise or update the *original template*, simply
open one of the copies, make your changes, and repeat what you did at the
outset, when you created the original, with one slight change.
<File> <SaveAs>,
And at the bottom of the "SaveAs" window, expand the "SaveAsType" box,
And click on "Template(*.xlt).
In the "FileName" box, the template name is already displayed, BUT ... you
must simply delete the appended number, leaving the original name.
When you click on <Save>, you'll get the dialog the "File Already Exists, Do
You Wish To Replace", to which you answer "Yes".

Using true XL templates is the one sure way to preserve your forms from
being overwritten.
 
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