Problems inputting data into cells - Excel for Mac Version 16.16.1

Question

I've recently purchase a MacBook Pro and installed the Microsoft Office for Mac. When I open a file that I've worked on thousands of times I'm having difficulties inputting data.

Sometimes, if I click on a cell and go to put in a number such as 56 it shows up in the cell like this:    5    6    The data DOES NOT enter as 56. I have the program set up to that all numbers in a particular row will sum and be shown in a different cell.  But the cell does not seem to recognize the 56 (although on some occasions it recognizes it as something strange and I get an error message in the cell. 

Sometimes I can go into the formula bar and input the number. But sometimes I get the same thing.  If that happens I can hit the back space and delete and then be able to put in the correct number. Sometimes I'm allowed to type in the number with no problem.  I have not discovered any discernible patter as to when this problem happens or doesn't happen. But it happens enough that it is frustrating.

When I copy and paste what is in the cell into a Word doc it shows up like this" ?5?6

I should also say that I'm working from a keyboard that is plugged into a docking station and allows me to be able to use an external monitor.  The keyboard was originally bought as part of a desktop PC package (about 10 years ago)

Answer 1

It seems there are several variables that we can investigate.

Somewhere along the line extra characters are being detected.

Your keyboard is hard-wire connected. That eliminates the possibility of problems such as low battery that can cause this problem in wireless keyboards.

If you turn off the second screen and use just one monitor, does that fix the problem?

If you boot to safe mode, does the problem go away?

macOS Sierra: Start up in safe mode - Apple Support

If you have a different keyboard, try plugging it in and see if that makes a difference.

Answer 2

Hi Garret,

From your description, the main issue in the thread seems to be that the value returns 5 6 when you type 56 in a cell in Excel 2016 for Mac. If yes, I’d like to confirm whether the issue only happens when you type 56. If you type other values, what’s the result?

Does the issue happen in a specific file? As the issue happens intermittently, I’d like to know if the issue goes away after you change a new keyboard.

Moreover, I’d like you to provide a full screenshot of the page showing the version information of the Excel 2016 for Mac application you are using. You can access the page via Excel>About Excel.

Thanks,

Cliff