Find spreadsheet problems before they affect an import or report
A workbook can open normally and still contain broken formulas, inconsistent columns, or cells that make an import behave unexpectedly. Run the checks, then use the issue list to decide what needs fixing before the workbook is shared or used as a source of truth.
A practical review process
- Open the workbook you plan to use and let the validator inspect its sheets and cells.
- Review errors first, then warnings and informational notes. Check the sheet and cell location attached to each finding.
- Open the affected cells in the original workbook, confirm whether the finding is a real issue, then save a corrected copy and validate it again.
Understand what each severity means
An error usually points to something that is clearly broken, such as a formula reference error. A warning signals a pattern that may cause trouble, such as mixed value types in a column or merged cells inside a data table. An informational note highlights something to be aware of; it may be entirely intentional in a report-style workbook.
A clean validation report does not prove that every calculation is correct or that the workbook matches your business rules. Check important formulas and totals against a trusted source, and keep the original file until you have confirmed the corrected workbook.
Frequently asked questions
Does a clean report guarantee the data or query is correct?
No. The checks help find likely problems, but you still need to verify results against the requirements of the application and the data itself.
Should I keep an unchanged copy?
Yes. Keep the original file or script until the reviewed result has been checked and accepted in the intended workflow.