Why do I get repetitions of characters in my cells?

X

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
 
B

Biff

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
 
X

xlcj

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
 
B

Biff

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

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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