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Susanna_FranciaLML521's avatar
Susanna_FranciaLML521
Copper Contributor
Jul 26, 2023

Excel

I cannot enable the insert or delete rows  in my spreadsheet. I've read and tried multiple suggestions, but haven't found the right one. Please Help!

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor

    Susanna_FranciaLML521 

    If you are unable to insert or delete rows in your Excel spreadsheet, there are a few common reasons and solutions to consider:

    1. Protected Sheet: If the worksheet is protected, you won't be able to insert or delete rows. To check if the sheet is protected, go to the "Review" tab on the Excel ribbon and look for the "Unprotect Sheet" button. If it is active, click it, and you will be prompted to enter the sheet password (if it was protected with a password). Once unprotected, you should be able to insert or delete rows.
    2. Protected Workbook Structure: If the entire workbook structure is protected, it will prevent you from inserting or deleting rows. To check if the workbook structure is protected, go to the "Review" tab on the Excel ribbon and look for the "Protect Workbook" button. If it is active, click it, and you will be prompted to enter the workbook password (if it was protected with a password). Once unprotected, you should be able to insert or delete rows.
    3. Shared Workbook: If the workbook is shared with other users, certain features like inserting or deleting rows might be restricted. To check if the workbook is shared, go to the "Review" tab on the Excel ribbon and look for the "Share Workbook" button. If it is active, click it, and you will see the sharing settings. To enable inserting or deleting rows, you might need to unshare the workbook or make necessary changes to the sharing options.
    4. Cell Protection: If specific cells or rows are protected, you won't be able to insert or delete rows in those areas. To check if cells or rows are protected, select the cells or rows in question and right-click. Choose "Format Cells," go to the "Protection" tab, and make sure the "Locked" option is unchecked. Additionally, check if there are any explicit cell or row protection settings applied, and remove them if necessary.
    5. If your Excel spreadsheet has grouped rows, it can also affect the ability to insert or delete rows. When you group rows in Excel, it creates an outline that allows you to collapse or expand certain sections of the data. However, when rows are grouped, Excel may restrict the insertion or deletion of rows to maintain the grouping structure
    6. Row Limit: Excel has a limit of 1,048,576 rows. If your spreadsheet has reached this limit, you won't be able to insert additional rows. In this case, consider creating a new sheet or workbook to continue your data entry.

    By checking these potential issues and applying the appropriate solutions, you should be able to enable the insert and delete rows functionality in your Excel spreadsheet. The text and the steps are the result of various AI's put together.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

    • Susanna_FranciaLML521's avatar
      Susanna_FranciaLML521
      Copper Contributor

      NikolinoDE 

      Hello,

       I tried all your suggestions and unfortunately they didn’t work to solve the spreadsheet problem. I’m reaching out to the IT person at my former work. I’m hoping he will get back to me soon.

      Thank you,

      Susanna

    • Susanna_FranciaLML521's avatar
      Susanna_FranciaLML521
      Copper Contributor

      SergeiBaklan 

      Good morning Sergie.

      Thank you for your quick reply. Your question: 

      Is that on any workbook or on some specific one? I really don't know since this is the first time I'm making a large data spreadsheet since I purchased a new Microsoft Windows 11 Home Edition software. I'm going to try all your troubleshooting suggestions from you follow up email. I'll let you know what happens. 

      Have a wonderful day,

      Susanna