Solving Excel 2003 Problem: Entries Not Showing in Formula Bar

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The discussion revolves around an issue in Excel 2003 where cell entries do not appear in the formula bar unless the cell is highlighted and the cursor is placed in the formula bar. This problem affects both equations and non-equation entries, with users unable to see text or numbers in the formula bar. The only way to edit entries is by double-clicking the cell directly, which is inconvenient for long equations. The user has explored various options, including the "edit directly in cells" setting, without success. Speculation arises that the issue may be related to a protected or shared worksheet, as there are indications that previous settings from such sheets might have affected current options. The user is considering seeking IT assistance to reinstall Excel.
FredGarvin
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I have a wierdness with Excel 2003 and I can not figure out how to get rid of it:

Problem: The entries in a cell do not show up in the formula bar.

Particulars:
1) If I have an equation in a cell, the equation will show up only if I highlight the cell and then put my cursor in the formula bar.

2) Anything other than an equation, i.e. text or numbers, nothing shows up at all, even if I do what I do in 1) above.

3) If I double click in the cell, I the entry in the cell is editable (the only thing saving me right now).

I have spent the last 2 days going over the options and can not find anything except the "edit directly in cells" option which has no effect. I do not like editing in the cell directly. With long equations, it is difficult to read.

Anyone have any ideas on how to get rid of this? I am borderline asking the IT folks to come down and reinstall Excel for me.

Thanks.
 
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Sounds like it could be a protected spreadsheet? Does it happen with all spreadsheets, or just one in particular?

Here's some info:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/HP051998111033.aspx

It does sound peculiar - I can't say I've ever experienced that.

Hope this helps...

-Kerry
 
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I think it may have something to do with a protected or shared worksheet, but I have tried all of those options as well and no dice. I bet that I worked in a shared or protected sheet at one time and the settings for that sheet have partially migrated over to my options. It is really weird.

Thanks for the help though.
 

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