Can't copy/paste a formula from one workbook to another

[wilkisa]

What would prevent me from copying a simple =sum formula from one workbook and pasting in another workbook? Instead of getting the formula, I am getting the values. I am not doing a Paste Special, Values, just doing a simple copy/paste. I can do this on my own PC and it works fine. On my co-worker's PC, it doesn't work.

This is Excel 2007 and I have checked all of the Excel Options but don't see anything that would force the paste values to happen.

Any ideas? I just feel certain it is a setting that I'm missing.

 

[Andrew Poulsom]

Are both workbooks in the same instance of Excel?

 

[daniels012]

well, not sure why just copying and pasting would do that.
You can go into the formula bar copy the formula, then escape and go to the other file in the formula bar and paste the formula. this should work.

Michael

 

[wilkisa]

Yes, both are XL 2007. My user is actuall copying a small table with values and formulas from one workbook to a new workbook. I suggested to him that he just copy the whole sheet and create a new book but he doesn't want everything on the sheet, just the small table.

I had him email both sheets to me and I can copy/paste from one to the other just fine. It seems to be only on his PC.

 

[missmary4]

Can't you just do a paste-special/formula? And then paste over the format afterwards if you need it as well?

 

[Andrew Poulsom]

I mean do you have 2 instances of Excel 2007 running, with one workbook in each. For Copy/Paste to work both workbooks must be in the same instance.

 

[wilkisa]

Thank you, Andrew. On my machine I had them open in one instance (sorry, I was being dense when I replied before) but I have checked with my user and he did, indeed, have them open in separate instances. I didn't realize that could cause the copy/paste problem but I know it now and won't forget it!!!

Thanks again,
Shirlene