Can't insert new cells - what what?

Anonymous
2018-01-02T16:00:11+00:00

I'm getting the following error in a worksheet (which I did not create):

"Microsoft Excel can't insert new cells because it would push non-empty cells off the end of the worksheet.  These cells migt appear empty but have blank values, some formatting, or a formula.  Delete enough rows or columns to make room for what you want to insert and then try again."

I have deleted a dozen or so columns, but I still get this error when trying to insert one column.  (or copy/insert copied)

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

--Paula in Texas

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2018-01-02T16:13:15+00:00

On that worksheet, click in a cell and then press Ctrl + End. That will take you to what Excel thinks is the last cell of data.

If we assume your data in cells A1 to T20, click in cell U1 and then press Ctrl+Shift+Right arrow. Keeping Ctrl+Shift held, right click one of the selected cells and choose Delete and Entire Column. That takes care of extra columns.

Now click in cell A21, press Ctrl+Shift+Down arrow. Keeping Ctrl+Shift held, right click one of the selected cells and choose Delete and Entire Row. That takes care of extra rows.

Save, and it should work now.

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Vijay A. Verma 104.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2018-01-02T16:05:20+00:00

Go to last cell in column A containing data. Select next row > CTRL+SHIFT+Down Arrow to select till last row of the sheet > Home tab > Clear > Clear All

Go to last cell in first row containing data. Select next column > CTRL+SHIFT+Right Arrow to select till last column of the sheet > Home tab > Clear > Clear All

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-01-02T16:42:46+00:00

    Thank you!

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    6 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2018-01-02T16:43:04+00:00

    Thank you!

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    4 people found this answer helpful.
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