Excel Err Msg: Cannot Shift Nonblank Cells Off Sheet

 Last reviewed: March 11, 1997
Article ID: Q69491
2.x 3.00 4.00 4.00a 5.00 5.00c 7.00 | 2.20 2.21 3.00 | MACINTOSH 
WINDOWS                             | OS/2           | 5.00 5.00a
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The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0, 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for OS/2 versions 2.2, 3.0
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a
  • Microsoft Excel for the Power Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to inset a cell, row, or column, you may receive the following error message: 

   Cannot shift nonblank cells off sheet

CAUSE

This problem occurs if the last cell, row, or column, in your sheet contains data or is formatted. You receive this error message because the cell or range of cells will be pushed off the sheet if you insert a new cell, row, or column.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem:

  1. Locate the nonblank cell, row, or column that will be pushed off the sheet.

    To determine where the nonblank cells are located, press CTRL+LEFT ARROW or CTRL+RIGHT ARROW. These key sequences find the next block of data or the end of a block of data.

  2. On the Edit menu, click Clear, and then click All. 

        Note that this step will remove the contents of the cell, row, or
    column.

Now you can insert an additional cell, rows, or column.

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Additional reference words: 5.00 2.0 2.00 2.01 2.1 2.10 2.2 2.20 2.21 3.0
3.00 4.0 4.00 5.00 5.00a 5.00c 7.00 shade fill font
Keywords : kbusage
Version : 2.x 3.00 4.00 4.00a 5.00 5.00c 7
Platform : OS/2 WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: March 11, 1997
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