XL2002: Unable to Drag Information Between Multiple Workbooks (280590)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2002
This article was previously published under Q280590

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to drag a selection in a workbook to a different workbook that is minimized on the taskbar, the minimized workbook briefly flashes but does not open, and you are unable to drop the selection onto it.

When you release the mouse button over the minimized workbook, you receive the following message, which is incorrect:
You cannot drag an item onto a button on the taskbar.

However, if you do this without releasing the mouse button, the window will open and you can then drag the item into the window.
You expect the workbook window to open when you drag a selection over it.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when both of the following conditions are true:
  • You drag information from one workbook to a different workbook that is minimized on the Windows taskbar.

    -and-
  • Both workbooks are open in the same instance of Excel.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use any of the following methods.

Copy and Paste the Information

To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Copy the information from the first workbook.
  2. Switch to the second workbook.
  3. Paste the information into the second workbook.

Drag Between Open Windows in Excel

To do this, follow these steps:
  1. On the Window menu, click Arrange. Select a window arrangement, and then click OK.
  2. Drag the information between the open windows.

Open Each Workbook in a Separate Instance of Excel

To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Close one of the workbooks.
  2. Minimize Excel.
  3. Start another instance of Excel (click Start, point to Programs, and then click Microsoft Excel).
  4. In the new instance of Excel, open the workbook that you closed in step 1.
You can now drag information to the other workbook that is minimized on the taskbar.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

293188 WD2002: Unable to Drag and Drop Between Multiple Documents

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/21/2001
Keywords:kbbug KB280590
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.