Setup Guide
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For Windows Users
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Step 1: Extract the Files
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Locate the downloaded ZIP file.
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Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All.
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Follow the prompts to extract the contents to a folder of your choice.
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Step 2: Mark the Excel File as Safe
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Before opening the file, locate it in File Explorer.
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Right-click the file and select Properties.
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In the General tab, look for a checkbox labeled "Unblock" near the bottom.
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If it exists, check Unblock, then click Apply and OK.
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​Now open the file in Excel — it should no longer show macro-related security warnings.
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Step 3: Enable Macros in Excel (if prompted)
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Open the Excel file.
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If a yellow bar appears at the top, click "Enable Content" to allow macros to run.
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Step 4: Install the Solver Add-in
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In Excel, go to the File tab and choose Options.
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Select Add-ins from the left menu.
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At the bottom, next to Manage, select Excel Add-ins and click Go.
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In the Add-Ins window, check the box for Solver Add-in.
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Click OK. Solver will now appear in the Data tab under Analysis.
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For Mac Users
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Step 1: Allow Macros and Mark File as Safe
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Open the Excel file.
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If a warning appears, click Enable Macros or Enable Content.
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If Excel blocks the file:
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Close Excel.
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Locate the file in Finder.
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Right-click and select Get Info.
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At the bottom, if you see "Open with Rosetta" or "Locked", uncheck those boxes.
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Reopen the file in Excel.
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Step 2: Trust the File Location (Optional but Recommended)
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In Excel, go to Excel > Preferences > Security & Privacy.
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You can adjust settings under Macro Security to allow macros from trusted sources.
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Step 3: Install the Solver Add-in
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In Excel, go to the Tools menu and choose Excel Add-ins.
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Check the box for Solver Add-in.
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Click OK. Solver will now appear in the Data tab.
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