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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.
A family of Microsoft spreadsheet software with tools for analyzing, charting, and communicating data.
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Might be EXT mode - touch F8 to clear this
Might be Sticky Keys - touch SHFT 5 times to clear this
gsnu201004
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
I had the same problem. In my situation, I was in View > Page Layout mode. Switching to Normal mode cleared the problem. It is also true for Page Break Preview mode. This problem would start randomly and it was driving me crazy. Thanks to all who post solutions.
Microsoft Home and Office 2010
Two ways to clear this:
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.
I found a fix by going to the View tab/Workbook Views. my page layout was selected. I change it back to normal and single cell selections returned to normal (2010)