Excel 2011 Screen Fragmentation Issue

Question

Computer Stats

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)

OS OS X El Capitan (Version 10.11.2)

Processor 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7

Memory 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3

Startup Disk Macintosh HD

Graphics Intel HD Graphics 288 MB

Issue

Over the past 1-2 years I've had an issue where the graphical representation of an Excel spreadsheet shows up fragmented when I restore from a minimized state (see attached screen shot). I've tried to intentionally repeat this but have not had success, it just seems to happen (of course there probably is some way to manifest it but I haven't figured out yet). I typically keep several sheets open at any time and have them reopen whenever I open excel.

If I move something in front of the sheet, place it, then move it away it seems to make the fragmentation go away. Once the fragmentation is gone the functionality of the sheet is normal, however this is pretty annoying.

Has anyone else dealt with this yet or know how to fix it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Thank you Bob.

I have my RAM maxed out for my laptop and keep ~2/5 (~40%) of my hard disc unused.

It is possible I have too many files and programs running. I'll see if I can test that over the next few weeks (more of observing for correlation when it happens)

Answer 2

I haven't seen it, but my guess is that it is a manifestation of a memory shortage. You can try adding more RAM to see if that helps, and have less applications open at the time you are doing this with Excel. Also make sure that at least 20% of your hard disc capacity is unused and available. If not, start moving or deleting some unneeded files.

The screen image may also correct itself if you scroll the sheet up and down.