What are Macros?

Macros in a nutshell is Visual Basic code an author creates to trigger specific events that are not included in Excel's standard functions. For example, to utilize the clear and start over button I had to write the code for this because Excel does not have a built in feature on the ribbon to clear specific cells that I specify. 

What are the disadvantages to using Macros?

The author could write bad code and a message compile error could display. This is a result of misspelling code, not knowing how to write code correctly, or writing code to trigger events not related to the specific event. If you ever are confronted with this error, the best course of action is to write down the error, close the worksheet and contact the author with the error so he/she can fix it.

A few people will warn you not to use Macros from untrusted publishers because they think we will write code to crash your machine. While this may be true, if the author of a spreadsheet is leaving his/her contact info, chances are they have not written code to do so. Plus, it would be stupid of me to write bad code and pass it out to the entire Air Force to see!

How to enable Macros

Immediately upon opening your workbook you should see the security warning displayed below.



This will show if macros are detected but Excel will not automatically enable them. Click the options button and in the next window, select the 'Enable this content' radio button and select ok. Macros are now enabled and you will have full use of this spreadsheet.

How to enable Macros without seeing the Security Warning message

Select the office button   and select Excel Options to the bottom right.

Select Trust Center and then Macro Settings.

Select Enable all Macros and select ok.

For more information regarding macros, please visit: http://www.contextures.com/xlfaqMac.html

You can use the WAPS calculator without enabling macros, the calculations will still work correctly. However, other functions will not work which might be helpful when interacting with WAPS calculator.