compare columns in 2 different workbooks

[daveturner80]

I have two(2) workbooks and would like to compare a column in one workbook and see if there is a difference in the same column in the other workbook.
The workbooks are called Pointsystem2011.xls and Pointsystem2011.xlsm and the sheet name is Print and the column I want to compare is column L.
Thanks,
Dave

 

[jdmc45]

You could just use conditional formatting to highlight any differences. So for one workbook, insert conditional formatting, manage rules, new rule, use a formula to determine rule, with the condition

"=$L1<>[Pointsystem2011.xls]Print!$L1"

Then use format painter and use on the rest of column L. You can format the cell background orange for example. then any value that is different will be highlighted orange

 

[daveturner80]

So I can just use this formula in my pointsystem2011.xls and it will look in the other workbook and return what it finds?
Do both workbooks have to be opened?
If it finds any differences can it put it into the print sheet in workbook pointsystem2011.xls in say column m?