Lost column in Excel 1

[G0AOZ]

In Excel 2002, user has "lost" the first column (A). I have tried the usual unhide, but that doesn't bring it back. I am sure the data is still there, as if any cell in column B is selected, and the keyboard arrow key is used to move to where the lefthand cell would be, i.e. now the number column on the far left, the original data appears in the Insert Function box.

Microsoft's help section also suggests trying to alter the width of the first column (which may have been set to zero), by pointing to the Select All button until the cursor changes, then drag to widen. That doesn't work - cursor does NOT change.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[combo]

Can you scroll other areas? Check for frozen panes (windows > unfreeze/freeze panes)?
If not, try in the name box (on the left of formula bar) write A1 (or edit>goto, A1), and play with format>column.

combo

 

[xlbo]

click on the grey square between the 'A' & '1' headers
Format>Column>Unhide

If that doesn't work then click on the grey square again and Format>Column>Width and set the width to be about 9

Rgds, Geoff

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colours but they all live in the same box.

Please read FAQ222-2244 before you ask a question

 

[G0AOZ]

Thanks for replies.

Combo.

(1) Yes, can scroll ok to other areas.
(2) Tried unfreezing panes - makes no difference.
(3) Tried altering format>column (width etc) with A1 selected - no change at all - the A column is still not visible.

Xlbo.
(1) Clicking on the grey square in the corner between 'B' and '1' (A not visible of course!), immediately highlights both the number and letter grids. If I then do Format>Column>Unhide I see most of the columns suddenly change in width! But the A column is still not visible.
(2) Grey square again, with Format>Column>Width = 9, shrinks ALL columns (presumably to 9), but still frustratingly no A column.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[xlbo]

well it certainly sounds like the column is hidden rather than small in width so it should unhide when you do the 1st procedure I suggested - maybe try that again with unfreezing panes as well...

Rgds, Geoff

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colours but they all live in the same box.

Please read FAQ222-2244 before you ask a question

 

[G0AOZ]

Got it!
For some strange reason I needed to do it TWICE before it would work. Very odd. Thanks for your help - very much appreciated.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[G0AOZ]

After having initially sorted out this user's problem, she has managed to screw it up further now!

The first column (A) has "disappeared" again, and trying the same trick as before no longer works, but produces an error box stating "Cannot shift objects off sheet". Well I don't want to move 'em off the sheet, I just want to show that hidden column again...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[SkipVought]

Have you played with the Scroll Lock Key?

Skip,
[sub]
[red][/red]
[/sub]

 

[xlbo]

and try clearing the far right column of all data / objects / formats

....the autofilter isn't set on is it ?

Rgds, Geoff

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colours but they all live in the same box.

Please read FAQ222-2244 before you ask a question

 

[KenWright]

It's usually a logical progression down a small set of options.

The Column is either:-

- Hidden manually, in which case selecting the top left corner of the sheet and using Format / Columns /Unhide will fix it.

- Hidden from view as a result of Window / Freeze panes, in which case simply unfreeze panes.

- Effectively hidden from view because the width has been set so small as to hide the column, in which case selecting the top left corner of the sheet and using Format / Columns / Width and choosing a reasonable value will fix it.

If you are unable to introduce a column for any reason where it generates the message 'Unable to shift objects off the sheet', then you can select all the unused columns and then physically delete them (Just hit CTRL+MINUS whilst they are selected). Also take off any formatting such as colours borders etc that may extend out to the far right of the sheet.

Regards
Ken..............

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It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission
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[G0AOZ]

Thanks for all the tips guys... I'm not due over there again for a few days, but have printed this off and will try it next time.

Thank you very much.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[1726]

If the column is hidden use the mouse to drag it back on to the screen in the same way as when changing column widths.

You can change the width of a hidden column when the mouse shows a split arrow pointer.

 

[mhoyt]

It's also possible the User has inadvertently grouped the column and selected a higher level view.

 

[kjv1611]

KenWright,

Thanks for your posts there. I didn't need help with this problem, but the <Ctrl> + <-> I did not know about, and it's pretty cool to know, now.

Now, I can say to others I work with,

"Hey, watch 'is."

Naa, just kidding, really.

Anyway, thanks for that post. I hope that G0AOZ gets this problem straightened out before he/she gets driven batty!

G0AOZ,
Are you sure your "user" isn't "legally blonde?"


[corny, I know]

 

[KenWright]

LOL - Also CTRL + PLUS will add them in for you.

Regards
Ken..............

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It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission
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