XL: Cannot Shift Nonblank Cells Off Sheet (69491)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Excel X for Mac
  • Microsoft Excel 2001 for Mac
This article was previously published under Q69491

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to inset a cell, row, or column, you receive the following error message:
Cannot shift nonblank cells off sheet

CAUSE

This error message occurs if the last cell, row, or column, in your sheet contains data or is formatted. You receive this error message because the cell or range of cells will be pushed off the sheet if you insert a new cell, row, or column.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Locate the nonblank cell, row, or column that will be pushed off the sheet.

    To determine where the nonblank cells are located, press CTRL+LEFT ARROW or CTRL+RIGHT ARROW. These key sequences find the next block of data or the end of a block of data.
  2. On the Edit menu, point to Clear, and then click All.

    Note that this step removes the contents of the cell, row, or column.
Now you can insert additional cells, rows, or columns.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/15/2005
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB69491
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