Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 16, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Microsoft 365
When you open a workbook, Excel normally runs any automatic macros that are saved with the workbook. Paul notes that in previous versions of Excel he could hold down the Shift key as the workbook was opened and Excel would not run the automatic macros. In Excel 2007 this doesn't seem to work for Paul, so he wonders if Microsoft has changed this convention.
The short answer is no, Microsoft has not changed this convention. When you open a workbook and hold down the Shift key as it is opening, Excel should ignore any automatic macros set up for the workbook. If that behavior is not what you are experiencing on your system, it could be that you aren't actually holding down the Shift key at the start of the loading process or you aren't holding it down long enough. Make sure you hold the Shift key as you click on the Open button (in the Open dialog box) or as you click the file in the MRU.
For a great, in-depth exposition of how all this works, visit this page on the site maintained by Excel MVP Jan Karel Pieterse:
https://www.jkp-ads.com/Articles/preventopenevent.asp
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (8769) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Microsoft 365.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access) with VBA programming, using it for writing macros, automating Office applications, and creating custom applications. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2013 today!
Want a quick way to convert positive values to negative and vice versa? You can create your own plus/minus button by ...
Discover MoreWant a quick way to jump to the end of your data entry area in a worksheet? The macro in this tip makes quick work of the ...
Discover MoreYou can easily add a button to your worksheet that will allow you to run various macros. This tip shows how easy it is.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-02-16 08:10:40
John M
Per the linked article by Jan Karel Pieterse, he claims that Excel 365 has changed the Shift behavior and it no longer works for 365. Be sure to check the article for a few workarounds.
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 © 2023 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments