Create/Format a new pivot before dragging in data

[MichaelTman]

I'm trying to create a pivot table in Excel 2010. After choosing my data fields and before dragging data in, I want to have a blank pivot table in place with the Pivot Table Field List beside it, so I can drag the fields in directly into the pivot table.

Instead, I get a blank table where the pivot should go and a Pivot Table Field List, with the only option being to drag the fields below into the designated areas of the List. Dragging the fields directly into a pivot table is not an option.

As far as I can tell, the first method above works when I have a file that is still in Excel 1997-2003 format, but once I save it as a 2010 file, close Excel and reopen the file in Excel 2010, I can only get the second method.

I don't want to have to save every file as a 97-03 file just to get the pivots to work the way I want, but I create 100's of pivots and need to do this as efficiently as possible.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[rdw72777]

Does 2010 allow you to go into Pivot Table Options-->Display and click the check box next to "Classic Pivot table format (allow Drag & Drop)"

 

[MichaelTman]

Ryan,

I already have that box checked.

 

[rdw72777]

Hmm, and when you check that it still doesn't work? That sounds odd, as that is how it worked in Xl2007 and its how its supposed to work in XL 2010 from what I know.

Sorry I can't help more, I only have 2007. But it almost seems like your Xl2010 is malfunctioning. They knew people lvoed the old ways of pivoting, its why they added the "classic Pivot" check box. Weird to say the least.

 

[MichaelTman]

Thanks for your idea, though. I've tried what seems like every combination of checking boxes, formatting, etc. and the only conclusion anyone in my office has come up with is the 2003 vs. 2010 thing. Seems odd and somewhat illogical, which is why I keep thinking there is some combination of settings that I'm missing.