Keyboard arrow-keys move cursor in opposite direction in protected Right-to-Left Excel Worksheet

Question

Hello,

I have a perfectly functional Right-To-Left Excel Worksheet. When the sheet is unprotected, the cursor moves in the direction of the arrow-keys, as expected. But, once I protect the sheet, (some cells are locked, others unlocked) the cursor starts moving in the opposite direction to the arrow-keys (right and left. up and down still move in the correct direction) between the unlocked cells.

Moving between the cells via VBA code ("ActiveCell.Offset(0, X).Select") still works in the correct direction.

I saw that somebody already mentioned this bug in a forum from 2013, but didn't receive an answer. https://www.excelforum.com/excel-programming-vba-macros/933645-odd-problam-keys-move-the-opposite-direction.html

I added a photo with the properties of the Sheet.

Thank You!

Answer 1

Hi,

Here are some steps and considerations to help you address this issue:

1. Make sure that you have thoroughly reviewed the worksheet protection settings. Check the "Format cells" option in particular. If you do not select this option when protecting the sheet, the cursor movement may be affected.
2. Navigate to "File" > "Options" > "Advanced" and enable the "Transition navigation keys" option. Make sure it's set to "Directional."
3. Make sure that your Excel version is up to date by applying any available updates or service packs.
4. Create a new Excel workbook with a similar structure and test the protection settings and cursor behavior there. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your existing workbook or a more general Excel behavior.

Best Regards.