Excel workbook is recalculated when copy-pasting to a think-cell datasheet although Excel Workbook Calculation option is set to Manual

Problem

My Excels' Workbook Calculation option is set to Manual in File → Options → Formulas → Calculation options. The Recalculate workbook before saving option is checked.

When I copy-paste from the worksheet to a think-cell datasheet, the source Excel workbook is nevertheless automatically recalculated. Recalculation does not happen when I copy-paste the same value within or between Excel workbooks or worksheets.

Solution

• Paste the value as text by right-clicking the cell in the think-cell datasheet and choosing Paste Options: → Paste Special… → Paste As: Text.
• Alternatively, uncheck Recalculate workbook before saving in the Excel options (see Problem above). Remember to enable it if needed.

Explanation

The think-cell datasheet and the datasheets of native PowerPoint charts in Office 2013 or Office 2016 use a separate Excel process. In this scenario, a default paste operation makes Excel treat the source workbook as if it was saved, leading to the recalculation if the Recalculate workbook before saving option is checked. We opened a case with Microsoft and asked for a fix, which has so far not been implemented. If your company has a Microsoft Office Support contract and you want to contact Microsoft to ask for a fix, you may refer to Microsoft case number 112060458780009.

The behavior can easily be reproduced without think-cell with Office 2013 or Office 2016. It did not occur with Office 2003. (It is also reproducible with Office 2007 and Office 2010, using a different approach omitted here in the interest of brevity. Please contact our support team if you require a reproduction for these versions).