Help
BTMA Stock Analyzer Help
1. Watch this demonstration video about how to use the BTMA Stock Analyzer:
2. While using the BTMA Stock Analyzer, you can get detailed information by clicking on the small blue information “i” icons found throughout the Analyzer.
3. Watch here to learn how to use the Qualitative Analysis section of the BTMA Stock Analyzer:
4. If you have specific questions about any of the BTMA Stock Investing Products, please contact Grant@BeatTheMarketAnalyzer.com
Here are some of the BTMA products:
BTMA Stock Analyzer
BTMA Wealth Builders Club
“Best Stocks To Buy” Weekly Report
(OLD INFORMATION FOR DISCONTINUED Beat The Market Analyzer Spreadsheets Help & Troubleshooting Guide)
Table of Contents:
Installation
Help & Troubleshooting
Contact
Thank You
Disclaimer
INSTALLATION
Requirements: Must have Excel 2007 or newer.
(Not Compatible with Excel Starter versions)
Your computer must be connected to the Internet for the Analyzer to function properly.
The Analyzer works with Microsoft Excel on the Windows platform.
Sorry, no Open Office or Mac Excel compatibility.
Mac users: You will need to run Windows Excel on your Mac for the spreadsheet to work.
1. If you’ve downloaded the Analyzer and installed it, but it’s not working properly, then you may need to do a Manual Installation of the required SMF Add-in for Excel:
First make sure that you have properly downloaded all necessary files.
Go to your C: drive and see if there is a folder named “SMF”. It should contain several files inside the “SMF” folder. If you are missing the “SMF” folder or if it is empty, then you will need to locate the “SMF” folder on your computer and put it into the correct place.
Click Start in the lower left hand corner of your computer screen.
In the search blank, enter: SMF
After finding the location of the “SMF” folder,
Right click on the “SMF” folder.
Select ‘Cut’.
On your desktop or in the Start Menu, click on “Computer”.
You will see the Local Disk (C:) or it might be named Vista (C:)
Right click on the Local Disk (C:) or Vista (C:)
Now paste the “SMF” folder into your C:
The final location should look like this: C:\SMF
(The SMF folder must be in the C:\ for the BTMA Stock Spreadsheet to work properly.)
A message might say that “You need administrator permission…”, Just click continue.
If you still don’t have permission to access Local Disk (C:), then you will need to ask your computer tech or the appropriate person to help you add the “SMF” folder to the Local Disk (C:)
(For Norton Software users, you may want to check out this quick installation guide if you have problems with installation.
BTMA Installation with Norton Software)
Next, open the BTMA Installer file (It is located inside the SMF folder, there should also be a shortcut for it on your Desktop.)
If you still can’t locate the “SMF” folder on your computer, then contact me at:
Grant(at)BeatTheMarketAnalyzer.com
If you have the “SMF” folder with files inside of it, then move forward to the next step…
2. BTMA Installer File
First, be sure to quit Excel if it is running.
Next, open the file on your desktop named “BTMA Installer File”.
Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully and it will help you to correctly configure your computer to use the BTMA Spreadsheet.
(If you can’t open the BTMA Installer File or your computer can’t recognize it, then it probably means that you have an old version of Excel. You will need to download a full-version of Microsoft Excel 2007 or newer.)
After running the BTMA Installer File, your computer should be correctly configured. You can close the BTMA Installer File without saving changes. Then open the “BTMA Spreadsheet…” file located on your desktop.
3. If you have already run the “BTMA Installer File, and your Stock Spreadsheet is still not properly pulling stock data, then you will need to Manually Activate the SMF Excel add-in for Excel.
The instructions here are for manual activation of the SMF Add-in for Excel:
They also apply to situations in which you move your SMF Excel add-in directory to a different location.
A. Open Excel then press and hold down the ALT button for 3 seconds and while holding down the ALT button push the buttons “T” and “I” to display the Excel Add-Ins dialog box.
B. If “Stock Market Function add-in” is checked, remove the checkmark and click OK to close the Add-Ins dialog box.* Then press and hold Alt+ti again, to redisplay the Add-Ins dialog box. This step is very important!
C. In the Add-Ins dialog box, click Browse. A file selection dialog box will appear.
D. Locate the SMF add-in directory. The location should be c:\SMF. To navigate to the default directory, start by clicking the My Computer item then click Local Disk C:, and then go to the SMF folder.
E. After you’ve navigated to the directory, select the RCH_Stock_Market_Functions.xla file name and click OK to return to the Add-Ins dialog box. If Excel asks if you want to replace the current location, click Yes.
F. In the Add-Ins dialog box, make sure that the “Stock Market Function add-in” item has a checkmark next to it.
G. Click OK to close the Add-Ins dialog box.
H. For best results, close Excel and then re-start it. This step ensures that the add-in will be installed If Excel crashes during the current session.
*After performing these steps, the SMC Excel add-in will be installed, and it will be opened automatically whenever you start Excel.
I. After starting Excel, you’ll want to see if your SMF add-in is working properly now.
a. In cell A1, type this exact formula:
=RCHGetYahooQuotes(“IBM”,”X”)
b. Hit Enter.
c. If the cell populates with some data, then your SMF add-in is now working properly and you should be able to start using your BTMA Stock Spreadsheet.
If it doesn’t populate with data, then please email me:
Grant(at)BeatTheMarketAnalyzer.com
4. BTMA Stock Spreadsheet
After running the BTMA Installer File, you will open your BTMA Spreadsheet. You can open it by clicking the BTMA Spreadsheet shortcut located on your Desktop. (There may be two shortcuts on your desktop: “BTMA Installer File” and “BTMA Spreadsheet…”. Open the “BTMA Spreadsheet…” file.)
5. Activation Code for your BTMA Stock Spreadsheet
The first time you open the BTMA Spreadsheet, it will ask you to activate. Follow the instructions by copying the computer code (provided for you) and click on the link to visit an activation webpage. Enter all the information that it asks and eventually you will be provided with your activation code. Copy your activation code and return to your BTMA Spreadsheet file where you will paste the activation code in the correct blank. After entering the correct activation code, your BTMA Spreadsheet will open and you can begin using it. (If the activation code does not work, make sure that there are no spaces before or after the pasted code.)
6. If you see this message: “This workbook has lost its VBA project…”
If at any time, you receive a message saying “This workbook has lost its VBA project, ActiveX controls and any other programmability-related features”, then this means that you do not have “Visual Basic for Applications” installed. Therefore, you will need to change your installation.
Here are the instructions how:
http://www.asap-utilities.com/faq-questions-answers-detail.php?m=145
7. Enable Macros
If you receive a message about enabling macros, you will need to do so by clicking ‘Enable Content’. Depending on your version of Excel, you may need to click ‘Options’, then ‘Enable Content’. (This message about enabling content is usually located below the top horizontal toolbar in Excel.)
You should also check to make sure that Excel has the correct setting for Macros.
In Excel, change your Macros settings to “Disable all macros with notification”.
Here’s a pic of what it will look like:
(By doing this, it will ask you to manually enable macros when you open the BTMA Stock Spreadsheet from now on. This might solve your issue if it’s related to macros.)
8. Update Links
If you receive a message about updating links, you can click ‘Update’.
9. Quick Start
After opening your BTMA Spreadsheet, you will see different colored sheet tabs at the bottom. Click on the ‘Quick Start’ sheet tab. There you will find step-by-step directions on:
Requirements
How to use the BTMA Spreadsheet
Help & Troubleshooting
10. *If you are using the BTMA Spreadsheet outside of the USA, please see the troubleshooting instructions below titled:
“Analyzer doesn’t work outside of the USA”
Help & Troubleshooting (These are common issues and solutions to help you.)
1. I can’t copy the SMF folder to the Local Disk (C:)
(This should only be done if your automatic install package failed.)
Solutions: If you need help to manually install the BTMA Spreadsheet from the beginning, go here:
http://www.beatthemarketanalyzer.com/blog/manual_install/
If you already have downloaded the SMF folder from the BTMA website, then follow these instructions:
Right click on the “SMF” folder.
Select ‘Cut’.
On your desktop or in the Start Menu, click on “Computer”.
You will see the Local Disk (C:)
Right click on the Local Disk (C:)
Select ‘Paste’.
A message might say that “You need administrator permission…”, Just click continue.
If you don’t have permission to access Local Disk (C:), then you will need to ask your computer tech or the appropriate person to help you add the “SMF” folder to the Local Disk (C:)
2. Value! errors
The BTMA Spreadsheets pull data from online databases and sometimes Value! errors show up because a particular stock’s data needs refreshed or updated.
Solution: Wait until the online database is updated and the errors will disappear. Most of the time, if you just wait a few hours or a day, the online stock data will be updated.
3. DIV errors
DIV errors (#DIV/0!) occur because of calculations with a null value. This usually happens when a cell or cell range is trying to divide by 0. This DIV error is important because it often tells us that some data is missing from a particular stock’s historical data. It could be because the stock has a short history.
Solution: Stocks that have DIV errors or are missing data are automatically penalized by the BTMA Spreadsheet. Therefore, for your safety, they will not be recommended as good investments.
If you consistently see many cells with “#DIV/0!” errors, then it could mean that your Internet Explorer settings need adjusted. Watch this quick video on how to adjust the settings: www.BeatTheMarketAnalyzer.com/blog/NoDataErrorsFix
4. ERROR errors
If you suddenly experience several errors in your data, do not worry. It is usually temporary. Often times, errors occur because a particular stock’s data is down or not currently listed at the online database.
Solution: Wait until the online database is updated or until that particular stock’s data is added to the database. If you try again in a few hours or the next day, the online data sources should be updated.
5. The spreadsheet numbers are multiplied by 1000.
This often occurs with users who are outside of the USA.
Solution: If you are in a non-US country, then you may need to change your number and region settings to US standards. In the US, a comma Is used to represent thousands and a decimal is used for cents. See the following link for help:
http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64417
6. The spreadsheet is running slowly.
I’ll admit, I also want things to happen RIGHT NOW!
But because each analyzed stock goes through hundreds, and sometimes thousands of calculations and criteria tests, and is compared to all of your analyzed stocks, it takes time. Even though it’s not as fast as I’d like, it still beats the heck out of doing it manually. But there are a few things we can do to speed up the process.
Solutions:
a. Make sure that auto-calculation is off when you’re using the BTMA spreadsheets.
b. Close other programs and other Excel files while using the spreadsheet.
c. Use cable internet vs. wireless if possible
d. In Excel, make sure that you turn on all processors for optimal calculation speed.
e. Defragment your hard drive.
f. Use the paid premium BTMA Spreadsheet instead of the free basic version.
It’s much faster because you can analyze hundreds, even thousands of stocks at the same time instead of doing it one by one with the free basic BTMA Spreadsheet.
7. Links need to be updated
When opening the spreadsheet, if you see an error message about links, make sure that macros are enabled. Link errors can also be caused by the SMF folder being located in the wrong location.
Solutions:
a. Always enable macros when using the BTMA Spreadsheets
b. Make sure that the SMF folder is located in the Local Disk (C:) or Vista (C:)
It should look like this C:\SMF
After making sure that the SMF folder is in the Local Disk (C:) or Vista (C:),then you should open the BTMA Installer File to correctly configure your computer. (The BTMA Installer File is located inside the SMF folder. There should also be a shortcut for it located on your Desktop.)
For more specific info about the SMF Excel Add-in created by Randy Harmelink, please join Randy’s Yahoo Group. It’s loaded with useful advice: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/smf_addin/
*Please note that Randy Harmelink’s group saves the SMF folder in this location: C:\Program Files\SMF
However, the BTMA Spreadsheet requires the SMF folder to be located in this location: C:\SMF
8. “Macros have been disabled” error message
If you receive some kind of error message saying the macros has been disabled or that add-ins have been disabled, then you need to reactivate macros and or add-ins.
Solution:
a. Click the Windows Orb (Excel 2007) or File (Excel 2010) and then click on ‘Excel Options’ or it might just say ‘Options’ (this could be at the bottom of the window.)
b. On the left menu, click ‘Trust Center’
c. Next, click ‘Trust Center Settings…’
d. Click ‘Macro Settings’ and select “Disable all macros with notification”.
Here’s a pic of what it will look like:
(By doing this, it will ask you to manually enable macros when you open the BTMA Stock Spreadsheet from now on. This might solve your issue if it’s related to macros.)
e. In the left menu, click ‘Add-ins’
f. Make sure that NONE of the listed options are checked.
g. Especially make sure that this is NOT CHECKED: “Disable all Application Add-ins”
9. Lost Sheet or Can’t Find a Sheet.
Solutions:
First, make sure that you haven’t just accidentally renamed the sheet. The main sheet names should be:
Disclaimer
Quick Start
Single Analyzer
Multi Analyzer
Saved Data
My Investment Plan
Help
S&P 500 Tickers
DOW 30 Tickers
Russell 2000 Tickers
NASDAQ 100 Tickers
* Please do not rename sheets. Renaming sheets could cause possible errors in the future. If you have renamed sheets, please change the sheet names to the exact sheet names listed above.
If you have accidentally hidden a sheet and want to unhide the sheet, follow these directions from within your BTMA Spreadsheet:
1. Click “View” (on the top menu bar)
2. Click “Macros”
3. Click “View Macros”
4. In the macro list, look for “UnHideMainSheets”
5. Select “UnHideMainSheets” and Click the “Run” button.
6. You should now see all of your main sheets.
* Please do not run other macros from this list. Doing so could cause possible errors in the future.
10. Analyzer doesn’t work outside of the USA
If you are currently located outside of USA, you may need to add an extra file to your computer for the Analyzer to work properly.
Solutions: Follow the steps below if you are trying to use the Analyzer outside of the USA.
a. Go to Google.com or another search engine
b. In the search box, type: ADVFN
c. Click on the link that says ADVFN. If the links don’t work, keep trying different links until you are directed to an ADVFN website.
d. Depending on your current country location, you may be directed to:
http://uk.advfn.com/ (in Europe)
http://us.advfn.com/ (in USA)
etc.
(The important part is between the // and .advfn. (For example the “uk” or “us”
e. Next, search your computer for a folder named SMF.
(It should be located in the Local C:\ Drive.)
Within the SMF folder, create a new file called “smf-AdvFN-Prefix.txt”
You can create the new file by opening a blank document in Notepad, Wordpad, Text Edit, or a similar basic word processor which can save files in “.txt” format.
The file should only contain the two letters that you found in the website address when you searched for the ADVFN website. For example, if your ADVFN website was http://uk.advfn.com/ then you will open a blank document in Notepad, Wordpad, etc. and type “uk” without quotes or anything else.|
After entering your two letters, save the file in the SMF folder with the filename: “smf-AdvFN-Prefix.txt”
If your SMF folder was already saved in the Local C drive, then your default file location should be:
Local C:\SMF\smf-AdvFN-Prefix.txt
By adding this new file to your computer, the Analyzer will automatically find your new file and adjust your country settings so that your Analyzer works properly.
f. Turn off any proxy server or proxy sites that you may have running which could change your IP Address.
(If you don’t know what a proxy server or proxy site is, then you can just skip this step because you probably aren’t using a proxy server or proxy site.)
g. Completely Exit out of Microsoft Excel and your BTMA Spreadsheet if it is open.
h. Re-open your BTMA Spreadsheet.
i. Use the Single Analyzer to test if your Analyzer is properly working now. If it’s not working, please contact Grant@BeatTheMarketAnalyzer.com
j. IMPORTANT: If you leave this country and go to another country, you will need to do this process again to make sure that you have the correct country code available.
11. If you bought your computer from outside of the U.S.A, or if you believe your computer’s regional settings have been changed, then follow these instructions:
You may need to change your computer’s regional settings to USA formats in order to display numbers, decimals, and dates in the appropriate way for the BTMA Stock Spreadsheet to work with USA stocks.
Go to Control Panel
Regional Settings
Under the ‘Location’ tab, select United States
Under the ‘Administrative’ tab, click ‘Change System Locale’ and select ‘(English) United States’
Under the ‘Formats’ tab, the format should now be ‘(English) United States’
Under the short date format should be: M/dd/yyyy
Under the short date format should be: dddd, MMMM d, yyyy
—
Click ‘Additional Settings’
Under ‘Decimal Point’ should be: .
Under ‘Digit Grouping System’ should be: ,
Under ‘Digit Grouping’ should be: 123,456,789
Under ‘Measurement System’ should be: U.S.
Under ‘Use Native Digits’ should be: Never
Contact
If you have any other questions or feedback, please email me at:
Grant (at) BeatTheMarketAnalyzer.com
Thank You
I’m so glad that you have decided to use the Beat The Market Analyzer Spreadsheet(s). I created the spreadsheets in order to provide a more simple way for common people to invest and receive better than average returns safely.
I’m confident that the spreadsheet(s) will also help you to achieve your investing goals. I’ve dedicated a great deal of time and energy into these spreadsheets to make them efficient and convenient for you.
I realize that there is always room for improvement and I will never be able to satisfy everyone. However, if you have suggestions or feedback, please let me know. As different needs and suggestions are brought to my attention, I will do my best to improve and update the spreadsheet(s) while still maintaining my purpose of providing a simple and effective product that doesn’t overwhelm users with unnecessary information.
Welcome to BTMA,
Grant Gigliotti
Beat The Market Analyzer
Disclaimer
By using the Beat The Market Analyzer spreadsheet(s), you agree to the following: The information and material contained in this spreadsheet is for educational purposes only.
The creator of this spreadsheet, Beat The Market Analyzer and its clients and affiliates claim no responsibility for any gain or loss of money from the use of this spreadsheet and or information from Beat The Market Analyzer. It is the user’s responsibility to exercise their own judgment, research, and due diligence when analyzing and making decisions on any and all investments.
The information and tools contained within the Beat The Market Analyzer spreadsheet and related material or affiliate sites have no regard to the financial situation or investment goals or objectives of any visitor or user. This spreadsheet and any related material from Beat The Market Analyzer is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell securities or any other financial instruments. Beat The Market Analyzer along with its, affiliates, clients, associates, and other related parties may have an interest in the securities of any entities from Beat The Market Analyzer or the Beat The Market Analyzer Spreadsheets.
Any data, information, or references made to third parties are based on information gathered from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as being accurate. It is the visitor’s responsibility to exercise their own judgment, do their own research, and apply due diligence when analyzing and making decisions on any and all investments. Any opinions expressed in this spreadsheet or related Beat The Market Analyzer material is subject to change without notice and Beat The Market Analyzer or any affiliated authors or websites are not under any responsibility or obligation to update or keep current the information contained within this spreadsheet or related Beat The Market Analyzer materials.
Beat The Market Analyzer accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of all or any part from Beat The Market Analyzer or any of the information, materials, or tools containing the name Beat The Market or Beat The Market Analyzer. The information and comments in this spreadsheet and within related materials are an expression of opinion. Even though we believe our statements to be true, they always depend on the reliability of our own credible sources and should not be accepted as fact.