Microsoft KB Archive/81655

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Unexpected Behavior When Entering Data and Using Navigation Keys

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0

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SYMPTOMS
In Microsoft Excel, when the Transition Navigation Keys (Alternate Navigation Keys in Microsoft Excel 4.0) check box is selected, you may experience unexpected behavior when you use certain keys and key combinations or when you enter text or formulas in cells.

For example you may experience the following:


 * Keys used for moving around on a worksheet or macro sheet produce different results. These keys include: CTRL+LEFT ARROW, CTRL+RIGHT ARROW, TAB, SHIFT+TAB, HOME, CTRL+HOME, and END.
 * Characters can be aligned in cells using the standard Lotus alignment characters which include: &quot;, ^, \ (double quotation mark, caret, and backslash).

CAUSE
The Transition Navigation Keys (Alternate Navigation Keys in Microsoft Excel 4.0) option changes the functionality of certain keys and key combinations; it also changes the way formulas and text are entered in cells. You may experience unexpected behavior if this option has been enabled.

This option can be set in either of the following ways:


 * When you install Microsoft Excel, choose the Enable Help For Lotus 1-2-3 Users option

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 * Select the Transition Navigation Keys (Microsoft Excel 5.0) or the Alternate Navigation Keys (Microsoft Excel 4.0) check box.

WORKAROUND
To return to normal Microsoft Excel functionality, follow the appropriate procedures below to disable this option.

If you are using Microsoft Excel Version 5.0

 * 1) From the Tools menu, choose Options.
 * 2) Select the Transition tab, and under Settings, clear the Transition Navigation Keys check box. Choose OK.

In Microsoft Excel Version 4.0

 * 1) From the Options menu, choose Workspace.
 * 2) Clear the Alternate Navigation Keys check box, and choose OK.