Trying to insert column, but getting a weird message...

[Glutamine83]

I have a spreadsheet approx. 50 columns wide, and 300 rows deep, which has a multitude of data in the form of text, numbers, and some simple formulas, mostly sums

however, i want to add a column and every time i highlight a column, right click, and select insert, i get the following message:

"To prevent possible loss of data, Excel cannot shift nonblank cells off the worksheet.

Try to delete or clear the cells to the right and below the data. Then select cell A1 and save your workbook to reset the last cell used.

Or, you can move the data to a new location and try again."

Any thoughts???

 

[AJ]

When in your spreadsheet, hit CTRL+END
This will send you to what Excel thinks the last cell is for your sheet. I suspect you'll find that your cursor ends up in Column IV.
If that's the case, the message is correct in that there is data in the final column (even if it's just spaces).
I suggest you determine which column <u>you</u> think is the last column with data in and then select all columns to the right of that, even if you think they're blank, and delete them.

Rgds
AJ

 

[Greg Truby]

Sounds like Excel thinks there's something right or down from your range. Where do you go if you hit [End][Home] ?

If you're sure you don't have anything you want to keep off to the right then highlight a bunch of columns (HA to IV for example) then Delete them (r-click | Delete). That should get you room to expand.

 

[Iridium]

Check out this MS KB article:

MS KB: XL2000: Error Message: To Prevent Possible Loss of Data, Microsoft Excel Cannot Shift Nonblank Cells Off the Worksheet

HTH

 

[gepa]

How do I do Ctrl _End using a Macbook Pro? There is no End key.

 

[WEBMONKEYMON]

Just copy the part you know has data into a new sheet.

And delete the sheet.