Extraneous Data

Before you save a data file for use with ChaosHunter, it is recommended that you insure the file is free of extraneous data that you do not want to include in your model. (Extraneous data may mean that there are extra characters such as commas at the end of columns or rows.) The problem is that the extraneous data is usually invisible when the file is viewed in a spreadsheet such as Excel and, in fact, creating files from a spreadsheet is usually how extraneous data is introduced. Extraneous data may often be viewed in a word processor such as Word, however, when View All Nonprinting Characters is selected from Options on the Tools Menu.

There are two easy methods you may use to remove extraneous data:

1. Delete Extraneous Characters

A. Open the file in a spreadsheet such as Excel.

B. Use the mouse to select (blacken) approximately 20 to 30 column letters to the right of your data, then delete (not clear) these empty columns.

C. Use the mouse to select (blacken) approximately 20 to 30 row numbers below your data, then delete (not clear) these empty rows.

OR

2. Copy Data Used in Model

A. Use the mouse to select (blacken) the data in the columns and rows you want to include in your model.

B. Select the Copy option from the Edit Menu.

C. Select New from the File Menu to open a new workbook.

D. Select Paste from the Edit Menu to create a spreadsheet which only contains data you want to use in your model.

E. Select Save As from the File Menu to save a .CSV file which may be used in ChaosHunter. A dialog box is displayed with a Save as Type list box. Select CSV (comma delimited) (*.csv) as the type.