"Fixed Objects will move" error

Copper Contributor

Occasionally I get this error and I can't get out of it.

Sometimes I get the error and after a few clicks on 'OK' it will disappear.

Other times it persists and I have to shut down my laptop and reboot.

I have 3 workbooks open and even though the error appears on only one the other two won't work either.

Maybe other users are having this issue.

I am on the app view, not the web view.

8 Replies

@Dale_Wotherspoon 

The "Fixed Objects will move" error typically occurs in Excel when there are objects (such as charts, images, or shapes) on the worksheet that are positioned with the option "Don't move or size with cells" selected. This error message is a notification that the objects may be repositioned due to changes in the worksheet.

Here are a few suggestions to help resolve the issue:

  1. Adjust the objects' positioning:
    • Right-click on the object and choose "Size and Properties" or "Format Picture/Shape" (depending on the type of object).
    • In the properties or formatting options, make sure the object is set to "Move and size with cells" instead of "Don't move or size with cells".
    • Repeat this process for any other objects on the worksheet.
  2. Check for hidden objects:
    • Objects that are hidden or partially outside of the visible area of the worksheet can still trigger the error message.
    • Use the "Select Objects" option in the "Home" tab of the Excel ribbon to select and delete any hidden or partially visible objects.
  3. Review compatibility mode:
    • If you are working with an older Excel file format (e.g., .xls), save the file in the newer format (e.g., .xlsx) to ensure full compatibility with the current version of Excel.
  4. Clear the Excel cache:
    • Close Excel and any other Office applications.
    • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type %temp% and press Enter. This will open the temporary files folder.
    • Select all files in the folder and delete them.
    • Restart Excel and try opening your workbooks again.

If the issue persists, it's recommended to check for any updates or patches available for your version of Microsoft Office. Additionally, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance, as they can provide specific guidance and help troubleshoot the issue in more detail.

Since no one has answered it for at least one day or more, I entered your question in various AI. 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.

@NikolinoDE  Thanks for your response.  The problem is that sometimes when I get this error there is no way to get out of it.   Excel is not responding when I hit the ok button on the error message.  The error locks the excel workbook and I have to reboot.  I think it is a bug in the code that Microsoft need to fix.

 

Next time I get the error, and assuming after I press ok I don't have to reboot, I will try your suggestions.

 

Thanks

Dale

 

@Dale_Wotherspoon 

I am getting this error and the dialogue box persists after clicking the ok button on the error message.  I have to end the task or reboot and start working on it.  This bug needs to be resolved ASAP.

 

PS: I tried the suggestions, but none has worked so far.

Experienced excel user here, I write VBA, been a developer for a while, and this one takes the cake. God help you if you get this error. @Dale_Wotherspoon 

@IrfanNajar I am too facing this error and I haven't found the solution. Someone help, please.

 

Yes

@Dale_Wotherspoon 

If the error persists and Excel becomes unresponsive when you encounter the "Fixed Objects will move" error, it suggests that there might be a deeper issue with your Excel installation or the specific workbook you are working on. Here are some additional steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

  1. Check for software updates: Make sure that your version of Excel is up to date. Microsoft periodically releases updates and patches that address bugs and performance issues. Check for updates in Excel and install any available updates.
  2. Run Excel in safe mode: Try running Excel in safe mode to see if the issue persists. Safe mode disables add-ins and other customizations, which can help determine if a third-party add-in or customization is causing the problem. To run Excel in safe mode, press and hold the Ctrl key while launching Excel. You should see a prompt asking if you want to start Excel in safe mode.
  3. Repair Office installation: If the issue continues, try repairing your Office installation. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select Microsoft Office from the list of installed programs, and choose "Repair" or "Change" from the menu.
  4. Check for corrupt files: It's possible that the Excel workbook you're working on is corrupt. Try opening the workbook on another computer or using Excel Online to see if you encounter the same issue. If the problem persists, try creating a new workbook and copying the contents of the problematic workbook into the new one.
  5. Check for conflicting software: Sometimes, conflicts with other software installed on your computer can cause Excel to become unresponsive. Try temporarily disabling antivirus software or any other security software to see if it resolves the issue.

By following these additional steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing Excel to become unresponsive when encountering the "Fixed Objects will move" error.

@NikolinoDE Thanks for these great suggestions.  I am not encountering this issues of late, mainly because the workbook that was giving me the problem is no longer needed.  In any case if the problem arises again I will try your suggestions.  Thanks Dale