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
    2016-12-04T18:48:39+00:00

    Two ways to clear this:

    1. Under View, change from Page Layout to Normal.
    2. Under Page Layout, uncheck the box under Headings, "View"

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-19T17:27:19+00:00

    In Excel 2010 on Windows 8.1, I ran into this same issue. The zoom trick worked temporarily, until my next selection at 100%. What worked permanently was maximizing my window. When not maximized, I got this, when maximized, everything worked normally.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-05-14T00:26:15+00:00

    Did you try hitting the Escape key?  

    Note the last sentence in Shane's post:  "This mode can also be turned off by pressing Esc." 

    It worked for me and I've had no further problems since last spring.

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