Fix Excel Structural Errors: Slicer Grayed Out, Wrong Totals, REF Errors & Zero Sums
Excel errors are rarely about formulas. They are structural. In this Discover Talent troubleshooting guide, you will learn how to fix the top Excel issues that silently break reports, dashboards, and analysis.
What This Excel Guide Fixes
- Slicer option grayed out
- Formulas not recalculating correctly
- #REF! reference errors
- Totals showing zero despite valid numbers
- Filters hiding valid values due to blank rows
Why These Excel Problems Happen
Excel enforces structural rules. Slicers only work on tables, calculations require automatic mode, totals ignore text values, and filters fail when blank rows exist. Excel is not broken—it is warning you.
Core Fix Strategy
- Always convert raw data into Excel Tables
- Keep calculation mode set to Automatic
- Use one data type per column
- Avoid merged cells
- Separate data entry from analysis