Can't copy Formulas from one workbook to another

[rdy4trvl]

There must be a simple solution here....
I have two workbooks (separate excel files, not worksheets) but I can't copy the formula from one to another - after pasting, the result is just the values (from the copied book), no formulas.

I'm using the Ctrl + C and Ctrl + P. Even if I try dragging and dropping - I get just the values.

I must be missing something very simple.
Thanks

 

[hbomb]

I've just tried C&P between two individual workbooks and the formula/s pasted no problem.

You could try copying to notepad first...as a last resort
Sorry if this is no help!!

 

[Richard Schollar]

Do you have the two workbooks open in separate instances of Excel? To paste formulas, you need both workbooks open in the same instance.

 

[rdy4trvl]

I just tried copying between two new workbooks and couldn't get the formulas to appear. It must be a setting in Excel.

I did try NotePad but note pad doesn't retain the formulas...that doesn't work and I really wouldn't expect it to. Actually the ultimate goal is to copy a rather complex set of formulas...but now I'm stuck on one cell plus another provides results in a third cell. Should be simple.

 

[Richard Schollar]

Did you see my post?

 

[rdy4trvl]

Richard Schollar - Thank you - this was the problem. I didn't realize I couldn't paste between Excel running in two separate instances.
THANKS!!

 

[SmarterThanU]

Here's the solution:
Step 1, in your first workbook, press CRTL + `. (The ` character is the one next to 1 on my keyboard). This makes your cells display the formulas instead of the values.
Step 2, Copy it.
Step 3, Paste it into your second workbook.
Step 4 Press CRTL + ` in the 2nd workbook (this shows the values that the formulas are calculating).
Done.

 

[rdy4trvl]

I'll try this out - THANKS!!!

 

[Bluto152]

Do you have the two workbooks open in separate instances of Excel? To paste formulas, you need both workbooks open in the same instance.

This saved my life. Thanks. Wonder why this is?

 

[SpillerBD]

Do you have the two workbooks open in separate instances of Excel? To paste formulas, you need both workbooks open in the same instance.

Is this specific with the different versions or rather a difference between the MDI (multiple document interface) and SDI (single document interface) ?