Fix common comparison problems

There are far more differences than expected

First check that you picked the intended baseline and new output. Then check whether the Excel report gained a row or column: cells are compared by position, so a layout shift can affect many later cells.

For a reordered CSV export, match rows by a unique key. For a recurring timestamp, add a narrow ignore rule or use Ignore columns. Do not hide a broad category until you know why those differences appeared.

The result is Same, but I expected a change

• Confirm that both selections point to the files you meant to compare.
• Check Numeric tolerance, Compare formulas, and Compare rich-text formatting.
• Review every ignore rule and any ignored CSV columns.
• Use Compare again after changing comparison settings.
• If the file was dragged in before it was regenerated, use Refresh selections… or choose it again.

Same refers to the selected checks, not byte-for-byte identity. Different file sizes alone do not prove there is a meaningful workbook change.

A file produces an Error

Read the message for the affected pair. Confirm that the file exists, is a supported format, and can be opened normally. Close programs holding it open if access is blocked. For network locations, check access from the Windows account running the app.

For CSV key errors, look for empty or duplicate key values, duplicate header names, or a named key column that moved to a different position. Correct the export instead of assuming the app can choose the right row.

Do not count an Error as a match. If the message is unclear, send us its exact wording.

CSV text or columns look wrong

Check Delimiter if a row is read as one field or splits in the wrong places. Check Text encoding for broken accented characters. Check First row contains column names if the first record is being treated as a heading. See the CSV guide for the available choices.

The count and the detail rows do not match

Look for grouped rows, a Category or Find filter, the Detail rows to display setting, a stopping-point plus sign, and the 5,000 retained-detail safeguard. Each can explain the difference. The limits guide walks through a 125-change example.

If View side by side is disabled, check that the selected result is Different and contains retained details. Large delimited files can omit visual inspection to avoid loading another complete copy. Excel review-copy ZIPs are only for .xlsx pairs.

Send a useful support message

Contact us with your app version, what you tried, what happened, and what you expected. A screenshot of the message is helpful. Leave confidential workbooks out of the first email.

In About & support, Copy support information copies version, environment, and license-state information, including identifiers. Download diagnostics saves a JSON file with settings, project and file names, ignore-rule values, result summaries, errors, and Installation/License IDs. It excludes workbook cell contents, formulas, images, and the complete activation code, but it is not anonymous. Read it before sending.

If a report has an awkward case or an option would make your check easier, tell us what you are trying to do. A small example with invented data is often the best way to explain it.