XL2000: "Cannot Shift Objects Off Sheet" Error Hiding Columns

ID: Q211769

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 2000

SYMPTOMS

If you try to hide columns of data in Microsoft Excel, you may receive the following error message:

Cannot shift objects off sheet.

CAUSE

This error message occurs if both of the following conditions are true:

You create a comment in any cell in a column.

-and-

You try to hide the column to the left of the column containing the cell comment, the column containing the cell comment, and all the columns to the right of the column containing the cell comment.

For example, this problem occurs if you place a cell comment in cell IR1, and then try to hide columns IQ:IS (at one time).

NOTE: Depending on the location of the column that contains the cell comment, you receive the error if you try to hide the column with the cell comment and all the columns to the right of the column with the cell comment.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

Because cell comments are hidden by default, select the cell containing the comment. Right-click the cell, and then click Show Comment on the shortcut menu.

Move the pointer to the edge of the comment until the pointer turns into a white arrow pointer with four small black arrows on the pointer. Click the comment to select the comment object.

On the Format menu, click Comment. In the Format Comment dialog box, click the Properties tab.

Click Move and size with cells, and then click OK.

If you want to hide the cell comment again, right-click the cell and click Hide Comment on the shortcut menu.

When you hide the columns, you do not receive the error message.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about hiding columns, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type "Hide a column" in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.

Additional query words: XL2000

Keywords : kberrmsg xlformat
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug