Question description:
This user has given permission to use the problem statement for this
blog.
If I have more than one worksheet open while entering data in one spreadsheet it won't let me enter data and I have to click in another worksheet and go back before I can enter data again.
Solved by B. L. in 18 mins
This is the chat thread from the real Excelchat help session. It contains no private user
information.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:26
Hello, I understand that you are not able to enter data into a worksheet when you have another worksheet open, right?
User
14/05/2018 - 02:27
Yes, I'll be entering data and then it is like the spreadsheet is gone, and I have to click in a different worksheet and then go back in to the one I was working in to enter data again.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:28
Okay, if I understood you correctly then the only way this can happen is if you are on edit mode in another worksheet. This is why when you go back to the other worksheet and you click on something, it suddenly works.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:29
By clicking on the other worksheet, you are effectively going out of edit mode which is why you are then able to edit your actual worksheet.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:29
Edit mode is when you are editing a cell with a formula or typing something in a cell.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:30
In other words, the focus is still in the other worksheet and Excel won't let you do anything until you commit or cancel the edit mode.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:34
Are you still with me?
User
14/05/2018 - 02:35
Yes, so how is that fixed?
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:36
It can't be fixed because that is by design. That was intentional by Microsoft.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:36
It won't allow you to edit another workbook unless you finish editing the other workbook first.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:36
So basically, you'll just have to make sure that you are done editing or outside of the edit mode before switching to another worksheet.
User
14/05/2018 - 02:36
that's weird, I'm only opening 2 worksheets.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:37
It doesn't really matter how many worksheet or which ones you have opened.
User
14/05/2018 - 02:37
I'm working in one, and then I have to go back and forth. It's a real pain.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:37
You can press ESC before switching to the new one.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:37
And yes, it's a real pain but unfortunately, that is how Microsoft designed Excel.
User
14/05/2018 - 02:38
I'll have to try that. Microsoft obviously does not work with multiple worksheets open - if they did, they would fix it.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:39
Please note that pressing ESC will cancel any ongoing edit you are doing so make sure you commit your edit if you need to by pressing ENTER instead of ESC when you want to.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:40
But basically, all that is needed here is to ensure that you are not currently editing any cell before you move to the other worksheet.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:40
I'm sure you'll get used to it soon enough.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:40
I work with multiple Excel files on a daily basis and while I still see myself with the same problem as yours, I've learned how to deal with it and it doesn't bother me anymore.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:41
But yeah, I understand your pain. I lose momentum when I work and this happens. :D
User
14/05/2018 - 02:43
It drives me bonkers... the amount of time I lose going back and forth between the worksheets is frustrating
User
14/05/2018 - 02:43
but thanks for the info
User
14/05/2018 - 02:43
I'll try the esc next time.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:44
You are welcome. I wish I could do more though but it's really in the core design of Excel so there's nothing much we can do.
Excelchat Expert
14/05/2018 - 02:44
Would there be anything else that I can help you with regards to the original question?
This is the output file from the real Excelchat help session:
This is an example of the expert help you can get. It contains no private user
information.
