Why do I get repetitions of characters in my cells?

  • Thread starter Thread starter xlcj
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xlcj

I have a large workbook with lots of macros that has worked well for a
couple years. Suddenly, any text or number I type or copy into any cell
within a certain column repeats itself to as many repetitions as is
viewable, depending on the column width. So if the column is wide enough to
show three characters and I type CAT, but then drag the column wider, I
would get CATCAT, then CATCATCAT, etc. The cell edit box only shows CAT, and
math still works OK, so it may be more of a view or display problem than a
cell contents problem. I read about using an asterisk as a repetition
initiator when using a custom cell format, but these cells just have a
general format. Maybe there is some setting I have accidentally initiated,
or maybe my macros are rebelling.

Sorry if I'm the 99th person to ask about this, but it has me stumped.
Thanks.
Carl
 
Hi!

Select any cell that this happens to. Check this setting:

Format>Cells>Alignment tab
In the first section under Text Alignment: Horizontal, does that drop down
have Fill selected? If so, that's you're problem.

Biff
 
Sure enough, Biff, that was the problem. Thanks for the help.

So assuming I did not accidentally make just the correct six-mouse-click
mistake to re-format those cells, is it likely that during the course of
hundreds of opening and re-saves Excel could lose track of a setting. If
so, is there some procedure to verify that nothing except data values have
changed during a session?

Carl
 
is there some procedure to verify that nothing except data values have
changed during a session?
Click to expand...

Not that I'm aware of. That setting is fairly well hidden and it's hard to
imagine someone accidentally changing it. Anyone else have access to the
file?

Biff
 
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