Forum Discussion
ALT+E+C to copy and Fill Handle not working.
Trying to use ALT+E+C to copy formula down the page. Will not proceed down the page and unable to escape out of the cell. Fill handle isn't working either. Tried Rebooting, removing the USB dongle an...
Alt, E, C is the old menu sequence for Copy, not Fill Down. The keys are pressed in sequence, and copying alone will not fill the cells below. Ctrl + D is the direct shortcut for filling a formula down.
Since you also cannot leave the cell, first check whether Excel is still editing the formula or waiting for a dialog to be dismissed:
- Press Esc to cancel the current entry or menu operation. If Excel beeps or still will not respond, use Alt + Tab to check for an Excel dialog hidden behind another window.
- Once you can select cells, select the cell containing the formula and the cells below it, for example D2. Press Ctrl + D. Excel copies the top formula down, adjusting relative references.
- To restore dragging, open File > Options > Advanced > Editing options and enable Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop. Drag the small square at the selection’s bottom-right corner.
- If you were double-clicking the fill handle, try dragging instead. Double-click filling depends on nearby data to determine how far down to go and may stop at gaps.
- If it still fails, check Review for an Unprotect Sheet button, which indicates protection is enabled. Then test a simple formula in a new blank workbook to see whether the problem is limited to the original file.
Avoid force-closing Excel until you have saved any work you can. If a blank workbook fills correctly, concentrate on the original sheet’s protection and layout rather than the mouse or USB receiver.