How to fix faulty operation of Excel HLOOKUP sequence that recopies old prompt rather than reveal the new prompt.

BobWyand-6542 0 Reputation points
2026-09-21T01:46:58.6333333+00:00

I have developed an app based upon Excel's HLOOKUP feature. Each tab has an 11-page scroll-down to reveal requested information from the featured HLOOKUP array. Ten of the 11 pages work perfectly, but the second page reveals (upon pressing "Enter") the previous prompt, until I simply scroll back up and down... then it picks up the new requested data. The HLOOKUP routine obviously reads the code, but won't show it until I scroll back up and down. Then it's perfect. I've tried rewriting the entire line but cannot correct the glitch. I don't mind scrolling to correct it, but those who will want to use the program will find that annoying. Hardly a professional appearance. Has anyone else experienced such a glitch with HLOOKUP?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | Windows
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  1. Kien 1,710 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-21T02:24:07.9333333+00:00

    Dear Bob Wyand,

    To ensure I understand your request correctly and to support you as effectively as possible, I need more specific information from you:

    • Could you share the file/ code you are working on?
    • Which version of Excel and operating system are you using?
    • Is the workbook’s calculation mode set to Automatic, Automatic Except for Data Tables, or Manual?
    • When the issue occurs, does the formula bar contain the new value while the cell still displays the old value?
    • Does the second page contain merged cells, conditional formatting, hidden rows, named ranges, or linked controls?
    • Does the problem occur in a newly created workbook containing only the lookup table and affected formula?
    • Does disabling hardware graphics acceleration, if available in that Excel version, change the behavior?

    In the meantime, kindly refer to these articles:

    Your provided information will help me assist you more promptly and efficiently.

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  2. Senthil kumar 2,500 Reputation points
    2026-09-21T04:54:04.27+00:00

    Hi @BobWyand-6542

    Root Cause :

    This is called stale display / delayed screen repaint issue.

    Solution :

    please check the below options and clear it.

    Press:

    Ctrl + Alt + F9

    This forces Excel to recalc and repaint every formula.

    If this fixes it temporarily → it’s a repaint bug.

    If Excel is in Manual mode, formulas update but the UI may lag.

    Check: Formulas → Calculation Options → Automatic.

    Manual mode is a common cause of “old value still showing.”

    Merged cells frequently cause redraw bugs in scroll-heavy sheets.

    Complex Conditional Formatting rules can delay repainting.

    Thanks.

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