XL97: AutoReturn Moves the Active Cell in a Multicolumn List

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you type data in a multicolumn list, and then press ENTER after typing data in the last column of the list, Microsoft Excel may move the active cell to the cell that is

   one row below the current row

   -and-

   in the first column of the list.

CAUSE

This behavior may occur when you do the following:

1. You type data in a cell, and press TAB.

   Note that you can repeat this step numerous times.

2. You type data in the active cell, and press ENTER instead of TAB.

   The active cell moves below the cell that was active in step 1.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, change the Direction setting for "Move selection after Enter." To do this, follow these steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.

2. Click the Edit tab and either clear the "Move selection after Enter" check box or select Right or Left in the Direction list.

   If you clear the "Move selection after Enter" check box, the cell in which you typed data will remain the active cell when you press ENTER.

   If you click Right or Left in the Direction list, the AutoReturn feature does not function as described in the "Symptoms" section of this article, and the active cell moves to the right or left when you press ENTER.

   If you click Up in the Direction list, the AutoReturn feature moves the active cell above the first cell in which you typed data when you press ENTER.

3. Click OK.

STATUS

This is by design of Microsoft Excel 97.

MORE INFORMATION

The AutoReturn feature is designed to speed up data entry when you type data in a multicolumn list. When you type data in a column and then press TAB, Microsoft Excel detects this pattern of data entry and controls the movement of the active cell.

When you select the "Transition navigation keys" check box, the AutoReturn feature is disabled. The "Transition navigation keys" option activates an alternate set of keys for worksheet navigation, formula entry, label entry, and other actions. To select the "Transition navigation keys" check box, follow these steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.

2. Click the Transition tab, and select the "Transition navigation keys" check box.

3. Click OK.