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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  1. Anonymous
    2015-10-08T10:41:10+00:00

    I found Excel would select multiple cells too. I tried the other options using F8 or zoom up/down etc with no luck. I then realised I was working in View Tab and 'Page Layout' mode in workbook views. Went back to 'Normal View' and it corrected the problem.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-11-08T18:24:15+00:00

    To turn off the EXT mode, I used  SHIFT + F8.

    (THE F8 KEY IS ONLY USED TO TURN IT ON.)

    THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

    Best answer here- thank you

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-07-08T14:22:27+00:00

    I had the same problem in 2010pro -  zooming up and then down cleared the multi selections.

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