Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated December 23, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
Russell is having a problem with Excel, when he runs macros. It seems that all of a sudden Ctrl+Break no longer stops the execution of a macro. Either the macro continues as if he had done nothing or Excel hangs up and he has to close it and start over. Russell checked and clicking the Stop Macro button (parallel line) in the VB menu doesn't work either, so this is not a problem of linkages to keys. He wonders if anyone else experienced this and if there is an easy fix.
This doesn't seem to be a common problem, as far as we can tell. It is possible that there is something errant going on in this particular system. For instance, it is possible that the EnableCancelKey property has been set to disabled, which would stop the normal functioning of Ctrl+Break. This property can be affected by the following macro line:
Application.EnableCancelKey = xlDisabled
This command could have been run in a macro which then did not enable the property. (Perhaps the macro coding either didn't include the enabling or the macro ended abnormally and never got to the command line to enable the property.) It is also possible that the command could have been entered in the immediate window of the VB Editor.
The setting of the property is persistent, and stays with a workbook if the workbook is saved after the setting is changed. You can check the setting by opening the VB Editor and entering the following in the immediate window:
? Application.EnableCancelKey
If you see a 0 displayed, this means that the property has been disabled. You should then enter the following in the immediate window:
Application.EnableCancelKey = xlInterrupt
After doing so, save the workbook. You should also try to track down where the property was initially disabled and make sure that the coding is corrected so you won't have the problem again.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3906) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Need to specify which directory on your hard drive should be used by a macro? It's easy to do using the ChDir command.
Discover MoreUsing a specialized calendar control is a great way to let users add dates to a worksheet. Unfortuantely, Microsoft ...
Discover MoreNeed to rename a file in a macro? It's easy to do using the Name command, as discussed in this tip.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-12-23 08:11:30
Jeff Carnohan
I recently learned of the Ctrl-Pause method. It works perfectly in Excel 365. It pops up the debugger dialog box allowing you to choose to cancel or debug. I suspect it works on other versions as well but I can't say for certain.
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments