Weekly Computer Tip # 205
25 August 2007

Turn off automatic completion of cell entries (Microsoft Excel 2000-2003)

Only got back from two weeks training in Germany last night, which is why you didn't get a tip last week. Thanks for noticing, Jane! Especially for you a non-PowerPoint tip ...

If you are not a "hunt-and-peck" typist and look at your screen rather than your keyboard when you type, you might have noticed that Microsoft Excel completes text entries you type in a column if the first few characters match something in that column. You can either accept the "AutoComplete" text by pressing the ENTER key or if you want to enter something else, you simply continue typing. But you can also turn off automatic completion once and for all.

Here's how:

1. Choose the Tools, Options command.
2. On the Edit tab, clear the Enable AutoComplete for cell values check box.

And if this AutoComplete feature in Word drives you potty ... have another look at tip # 157 (tip 157)

That's it ... off to the garden for a bit of British summer!

Until next week.

2021-09-21 update
In Microsoft 365 this feature can be found under File > Options > Advanced

PS I’m committed to sharing the best of what I know with others so please don’t keep me a secret. If you enjoyed today’s tip, please forward it to anyone you feel may benefit. Alternatively, feel free to reprint it (with full copyright and subscription information) in your newsletters and message boards.

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