Help for Microsoft Excel Solver Users

GROUND RULES: These pages cover earlier versions of the Solver bundled with Microsoft Excel; some of the issues discussed here no longer apply to the Solver in the most recent Excel versions.  Microsoft Excel, including the Solver, is a Microsoft product and is supported by Microsoft Corporation. Although we developed the Solver and we work closely with Microsoft, we directly sell and support only our own enhanced Solver products. We want to hear your comments, suggestions and problem reports on all versions of the Solver -- but all decisions on fixes or enhancements to Microsoft Excel are made by Microsoft.

We maintain this Web site as a service to all users of the Microsoft Excel Solver. Its content reflects our experience helping users for almost four years. We also encourage you to use the Microsoft Excel online Help, Microsoft's Excel Website, and the books in our List of Recommended Books. If you need personal assistance by phone, fax or email, we can help -- please check our Technical Support Policies for information on free and fee-based support.

Click here to visit the Microsoft Corp. Excel Website.

Common Technical Support Problems

• Help with specific Solver messages
• If you aren't getting the solution you expect (12K)
• If the solution process takes a long time (10K)
• If you've exceeded problem size limits
• Known problems in Microsoft Excel Solver

Hints on Using Specific Solver Features

• Understanding the Solver Reports
• Understanding the Solver Options
• How the Solver handles constraints (10K)
• Hints for building readable, manageable models (25K)
• Controlling the Solver with macros and VBA

Optimization Concepts (from the Tutorial)

• Elements of Solver models
• Linear and nonlinear functions
• Discontinuous and non-smooth functions
• Algorithmic methods used by the Solver

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Copyright © 1999 Frontline Systems Inc.
Last modified: June 24, 2004.