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Excel/Auto date columb B

Expert: Bill - 11/6/2009

Question
Hello I have an Excel sign-in sheet for lab usage. The current procedure I have now is that every time I open the file I have to change the Date on column B. Is their a way where Column B can get populated automatically with the current Date. But also have it where if the column is already filled for it not to overwrite it. In-case I have to open the spreadsheet for data collection purposes I would not want the date to change. I would greatly appreciate any help.

Than you,

Answer
Yes, there is a way. Assuming you meant to ask how to do it instead of just asking if there is a way then you will have to write a macro. But, you can't have it both ways. EXCEL can check column B (I assume you mean a CELL in column B) to see if it is empty WHEN THE FILE IS OPENED EVERY TIME.

If it is empty then the macro can put the current date there. IF the cell is not empty then the macro does nothing.

How is the macro to know if you have opened the file just for data collection purposes and when you have not opened the file for data collection purposes?

The macro can prompt you each time you open the file if you want to type the date but if you do that then you might as well just type the date yourself, which, BTW, can be done with a shortcut key, which is CTRL :

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Bill

Expertise

I can provide help with most all EXCEL questions and most all questions about writing EXCEL macros. I have been developing macros for about 10 years in EXCEL and have switched to it from Lotus 1-2-3 after about 10 years of writing macros in it. Typically, I will not write a macro for you unless it is very short because of all the details a macro has to know about to work every time all the time. Please understand that I do not know it all and will be the first to say so. As politely as possible, I don't write macros for people on this site who need one, want one, seem to imply that they need one, and/or seem to think I am expected to write one UNLESS they are very short, quick, and simple. 99% of all macros are more involved than what you think and rarely am I provided with enough specific and complete details to have the code work the first time and every time. This typically means too many follow-up emails, and subsequent macro changes due to lack of specific details, just to get those details so that the macro would work, all of which is on my own free time. The voice of experience from responding to many questions from people who ask me to write a macro for them from this site tells me this. I don't mean to come across as unhelpful but macros are usually very specific and without ALL of the specifics the macro I would write will not address all of your needs and the layout, location, formatting, conditions, etc. of your data and any related files the macro would have to work with. What seems like a simple task to you is almost always more involved than what you think to have the macro ALWAYS work in EVERY situation. If you have a macro you have already written and have a question about it then perhaps I could help with that. I am sure and hope you can and do understand.

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