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Brian_Song's avatar
Brian_Song
Copper Contributor
Jun 15, 2023

Excel Copy and Pasting Cells

Anyone else have issues with copying a cell (dotted line around cell), pasting it into a web browser, then copying the information you need and when you paste it into excel it will paste the copied cell that you entered into the browser in the first step? I understand that there is the "Press ESC" process to deselect the initial cell but that seems inefficient and wasn't what it used to be a few months ago. 

  • Brian_Song 

    I can't reproduce that, all works as expected. Just in case, if to open Windows clipboard (Win+V) do you see in it what was copied both in Excel and on Web page? Assuming clipboard history is ON.

    • Brian_Song's avatar
      Brian_Song
      Copper Contributor
      Yes, I do see the copied text in both Excel Clipboard and WIndows Clipboard (Win+V) but again because the cell I initially copied is selected/dotted, the initial data is pasted in the new cell. Super weird and sudden. Wasn't like this a few months ago.
  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor

    Brian_Song 

    If you are experiencing issues with copying and pasting cells in Excel 365, specifically when pasting into a web browser and then copying information back into Excel, here are a few suggestions to try:

    1. Use the Paste Special feature: Instead of using the regular copy and paste commands, try using the Paste Special feature. After copying the cell, right-click on the destination cell in Excel and choose "Paste Special." In the Paste Special dialog box, select the desired paste option, such as "Values," "Formats," or "Formulas." This can help avoid any unwanted carryover effects from the initial copied cell.
    2. Clear the clipboard: Before copying the information from the web browser, make sure to clear the clipboard. In Excel, go to the Home tab, click on the Clipboard group's small arrow at the bottom-right corner, and then click on the "Clear All" button. This ensures that no previous content remains in the clipboard that could interfere with the desired paste operation.
    3. Paste using keyboard shortcuts: Instead of right-clicking and choosing paste, use keyboard shortcuts for pasting. After copying the desired information from the web browser, select the destination cell in Excel and press "Ctrl + V" to paste. This method sometimes provides more control over the pasting process.
    4. Try using a different web browser: If the issue persists with a specific web browser, try using a different one to see if the problem persists. Sometimes, certain browser settings or extensions can interfere with the copy-paste functionality.
    • Brian_Song's avatar
      Brian_Song
      Copper Contributor

      NikolinoDE 

      1. Tried that but because the initial cell is still selected/dotted, it still pasted the value of the selected cell. 

      2. Cleared clipboard, changed option settings, reset the application, turned off the computer (daily), uninstalled and reinstalled, checked add-ons, and still nothing works.

      3. I only use keyboard short-cuts (CTRL+C, CTRL+V, Windows+SHFT+S, CTRL+SHFT+UP or DOWN, CTRL+UP or DOWN, ETC.) Trying to avoid hitting ESC to deselect the dotted cell before copying and pasting. 

      4. Tried it with Chrome and Explorer, I don't think it's a browser issue.

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