Excel selects multiple cells instead of one (cells are not merged)

Anonymous
2010-06-18T16:21:25+00:00

Excel selects multiple cells instead of one (cells are not merged) - When clicking on a cell, Excel will select multiple cells around the intended selection. Also, the number of cells automatically selected and position of the selection is random each time the intended cell is clicked on.

Shift + Arrow Keys will select correctly but is not practical to use every time.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2010-06-18T16:52:06+00:00

Might be EXT mode - touch F8 to clear this

Might be Sticky Keys - touch SHFT 5 times to clear this


gsnu201004

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Anonymous
2010-06-19T17:06:39+00:00

To expand on EXT mode:  Regarding EXT mode this is turned on or off in 2007 by pressing F8.  It is also called Extend Selection in 2007 or later and if the Selection Mode option has been turned on for Excel's status bar you will see "Extend Selection" displayed.  This mode can also be turned off by pressing Esc. 


If this answer solves your problem, please check Mark as Answered. If this answer helps, please click the Vote as Helpful button. Cheers, Shane Devenshire

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51 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-03T17:24:23+00:00

    This worked for me, using Excel2010.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-01-20T04:38:50+00:00

    Neither suggestion given here worked.  However, the "Most Helpful" entry which is below this, did work.  Notice there are over 600 responses calling it "most helpful".

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-01-08T18:56:02+00:00

    AdamClarke91 -- Very good find, and Thank you.  The "hide white space" work around is the only one that has not failed me.

    Although using NORMAL view works, as well as using a preset zoom level (as opposed to a custom number,) it shouldn't be that way and it sometimes reverts.  I should be able to view my spreadsheet in the manner I desire, at the zoom level I desire.  Microsoft has failed with respects to fixing this over the years.

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