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
    2016-12-05T14:53:02+00:00

    In the right bottom of your screen, there is a zoom in and zoom out (+) or (-) just click the + or - twice or thrice, your excel cells will go back to normal. I don't have an explanation of this, but It works for me.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-12-30T23:49:57+00:00

    I use Excel 2010. The selection of a cell works fine until I select landscape orientation, then a cell selection shows 2 cells unless I click close to the top of a cell. Moving the cursor to the space immediately over the first row of cells and clicking when I see the message "hide white space" has solved my problem.

    Thanks AdamClarke91

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-01-13T19:45:22+00:00

    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

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