Strange Excel Settings

[Roonaldez]

Hi,

I don't know how, my I have managed to gain some new and annoying Excel settings...I will try to explain..

When I start typing a formula, any hidden columns/rows are un-hidden automatically (temporarily), meaning I have to re-adjust my cell selections?

Also, When I hide columns, I am unable to unhide them, I have to insert columns?

Text is always with a ' at the beginning, even though I have not entered one?

Lastly, I have lost some keyboard shortcuts, for example, I can use CTRL and up/down arrows, but CTRL and left has stopped working, and CTRL and right jumps a number of columns, but not to the end of the worksheet, as you would expect if there was no data in the cells.

It's all very odd, and quite annoying, any ideas much appreciated.

 

[AnotherHiggins]

First question - is this a workbook that you created, or are you working in someone else's?

-> Lastly, I have lost some keyboard shortcuts, for example, I can use CTRL and up/down arrows, but CTRL and left has stopped working, and CTRL and right jumps a number of columns, but not to the end of the worksheet, as you would expect if there was no data in the cells.

That sound like you have your Scroll Lock on.

-> When I start typing a formula, any hidden columns/rows are un-hidden automatically (temporarily), meaning I have to re-adjust my cell selections?

Do the hidden columns unhide themselves as soon as you press "="? do they re-hide when you press enter?

-> Also, When I hide columns, I am unable to unhide them, I have to insert columns?

You can't insert a hidden column. You can insert a NEW column, but the hidden one is still hidden. Try this instead: Select columns on either side of the hidden columns, making sure to select everything between. Set the column width - it doesn't matter what you set it to - any positive number should make the hidden columns visible.

-> Text is always with a ' at the beginning, even though I have not entered one?

a single quote, or apostrophe, at the beginning of a cell tells Excel that whatever follows is text - regardless of whether it looks like a number. Again, I ask if this is a workbook that someone else created. Or are you saying that you can go into a blank cell, type [COLOR=blue white]Bob[/color] and after you press enter a ' has been placed there by Excel?

[tt]_____
[blue]-John[/blue][/tt]
[tab][red]The plural of anecdote is not data[/red]

Help us help you. Please read FAQ 181-2886 before posting.

 

[Roonaldez]

I have all of these setting whenever I open Excel, not specific to a particular workbook...

I don't have scroll lock on so that isn't affecting the keyboard shortcuts...

The hidden columns appear when entering an = and then yes, they do re-hide when I press enter.

The ' appears after pressing enter on some text...

To clarify the hidden columns, I hide all remining columns in a workbook dfor presentation, eg columns h:IV if I don't need them, should I need them at a later date, I cannot highlight, right cvlick, and un-hide...which I have been doing for years...

I've been using excel for 7 years to an advanced level, but all this has me stumped, could it be a virus?

 

[xlbo]

Go Tools>Options>Transition

are any of the boxes ticked? if so which?

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

 

[Markus4]

Does this funny behaviour disappear when you press Ctrl+# and re-appear when you press Ctrl+# again?

Then you accidentally toggled view of formulas.

Markus