XL98: AutoReturn Moves the Active Cell in a Multicolumn List (181907)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q181907

SYMPTOMS

When you type data in a multicolumn list, and then press RETURN after typing data in the last column of the list, Microsoft Excel Macintosh Edition may move the active cell to the cell that is one row below the current row

-and-

in the first column of the list.

CAUSE

This behavior may occur when you do the following:

  1. You type data in a cell, and press TAB.

    Note that you can repeat this step numerous times.
  2. You type data in the active cell, and press RETURN instead of TAB.

    The active cell moves below the cell that was active in step 1.
When you type data in a multicolumn list, a new feature in Microsoft Excel 98 called AutoReturn detects the pattern of data entry and moves the active cell when you press RETURN.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, change the Direction setting for "Move selection after Return." To do this, follow these steps:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Preferences.
  2. Click the Edit tab and either clear the "Move selection after Return" check box or select Right or Left in the Direction list.

    If you clear the "Move selection after Return" check box, the cell in which you typed data will remain the active cell when you press RETURN.

    If you click Right or Left in the Direction list, the AutoReturn feature does not function as described in the "Symptoms" section of this article, and the active cell moves to the right or left when you press RETURN.

    If you click Up in the Direction list, the AutoReturn feature moves the active cell above the first cell in which you typed data when you press RETURN.
  3. Click OK.

STATUS

This is by design of Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition.

MORE INFORMATION

The AutoReturn feature is designed to speed up data entry when you type data in a multicolumn list. When you type data in a column and then press TAB, Microsoft Excel detects this pattern of data entry and controls the movement of the active cell.

When you select the "Transition navigation keys" check box, the AutoReturn feature is disabled. The "Transition navigation keys" option activates an alternate set of keys for worksheet navigation, formula entry, label entry, and other actions. To select the "Transition navigation keys" check box, follow these steps:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Preferences.
  2. Click the Transition tab, and select the "Transition navigation keys" check box.
  3. Click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/11/2002
Keywords:kbinfo KB181907
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.