Excel time now

[THECORBYLOON]

I'm creating a spreedsheet which needs to show the time faxes were received. Is there any way of automatically showing the time in a column? (I can't use the now() function in a column of cells because that updates every previous time to show the time of the latest fax) Any ideas?

[terambulan]

Why not 'add a column' and type in the times of the faxes.

I can't grasp the 'automatically showing time' as this would have had to have been typed into a column.

[THECORBYLOON]

The now() function shows the time the spreadsheet is updated and saves typing in the time.

[ACtheTROLL]

you need a macro to transfer the now() result to the next free cell
fired by a button ....
fax arrives .... press button .... time/date record ... step to next cell.

alternatively ... winfax or similar automatically keeps a log of all in/out events .... far simpler .... and you only need to print the ones you need to print ....

the rest can be e-mailed directly to the person to deal

[THECORBYLOON]

Thanks ACtheTROLL,Recording the time a fax is received is one of a few details needed to be recorded. Is there a site which explains SIMPLY how to use macros?

[ACtheTROLL]

It's all a bit daunting when you first start - the office help is as good as anything.

probably the best way to start is to record the basic (ha ha) moves ... an then modify and tidy the code
http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/advancedexcel /ss/excel_macro.htm

when recording I like to use key presses rather than menu options (although you can't avoid it)
so the process is something on the lines of ....

start a new worksheet
enter =now() in a cell (a1)
fill column b1 - b5 with any old rubbish

start the recorder

put cursor in a1 (click on a1)
ctrl+c (copy)
right arrow (shift cursor 1 column to the right (into b))
Ctrl + down arrow (shifts cursor to last filled cell)
down arrow (moves crsr into the first free cell in col b)
ctrl +V (paste)
left arrow (move cursor one cell left)
ctrl + up arrow (returns cursor to a1 [=now()]

alternatively just click on a1
stop recorder

and that's it
slap a button in there (you can put it under a custom button in the menu) .... and you are set

it's simple and (I hope) logical
you start and end by selecting a1 so that if someone catches a key ... it should still work.

then you can look at the macro and see what does what .... pretty soon you'll want to tickle it up and get rid of any spurious instructions .... then you'll want to put in some error checking and formatting and .... and ....

and then you're lost ... it'll be down to oxfam to buy an anorak ... and you'll get an irresistible urge to become a level 98 magus

then - the saddest of all .... you'll start giving advice on the AB technology thread

[THECORBYLOON]

Cheers AtT I'll try that at the weekend. Many thanks again