Incrementing, Even Though Formatted As Text: Why ?

[Robert11]

Hello,

Using Excel 2007

I have a Column I formatted as Text.

I put into the first line NASWA B11

I then drag down the lower right hand corner of the cell to fill in many
cells below in the column.

But, even though formatted as Text, each cell now has an incremented B11

e.g.,

NASWA B11
NASWA B12
NASWA B13
etc.

I thought that if pre-formatted as text, it would just put in exactly
whatever was in the first cell.

What is happening, please ?

How do I copy down, without the incrementing ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[joeu2004]

I have a Column I formatted as Text.
I put into the first line NASWA B11
I then drag down the lower right hand corner of the
cell to fill in many cells below in the column.
But, even though formatted as Text, each cell now
has an incremented B11 [....]
What is happening, please ?

Just Excel trying to be helpful. No way to disable this heuristic other
than disabling the fill handle and drag-and-drop altogether.

How do I copy down, without the incrementing ?

The old-fashioned way. Copy the first cell (press ctrl+C). Select the
target range for the copies, either with the mouse cursor or by entering the
target range into the Name Box. The paste into the selected target range
(press ctrl+V).

 

[GS]

It happens that Robert11 formulated :

Hello,

Using Excel 2007

I have a Column I formatted as Text.

I put into the first line NASWA B11

I then drag down the lower right hand corner of the cell to fill in many
cells below in the column.

But, even though formatted as Text, each cell now has an incremented B11

e.g.,

NASWA B11
NASWA B12
NASWA B13
etc.

I thought that if pre-formatted as text, it would just put in exactly
whatever was in the first cell.

What is happening, please ?

How do I copy down, without the incrementing ?

Thanks,
Bob

Format has nothing to do will 'Filling' when the text ends with a
number. What Excel is doing is (as Joeu says, "trying to be helpful")
continuing IN SERIES as you drag the fill handle (Down or ToRight).
It's easier to enter the same contents into numerous cells
simultaneously by selecting all the cells, start typing, then use the
keyboard combo 'Ctrl+Enter'.

 

[Dave Peterson]

I don't think you'll be able to change the default behavior of dragging by the
fill handle.

But if you rightclick on the fill handle and drag, then let go at the bottom,
you'll see a bunch of options -- you can chose Copy.

 

[GS]

Dave Peterson laid this down on his screen :

I don't think you'll be able to change the default behavior of dragging by
the fill handle.

But if you rightclick on the fill handle and drag, then let go at the bottom,
you'll see a bunch of options -- you can chose Copy.

To add 2 cents worth...

To copy a cell, you can also hold down the Ctrl key and drag the fill
handle in the normal fashion.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Personally, my brain is filled with too much stuff to try to remember how these
special key combos work.

I'd rather use the rightclick and drag. Besides my memory problems <vbg>, it
also reminds me of all the other options available with the rightclick/drag
technique.

 

[GS]

Dave Peterson expressed precisely :

Personally, my brain is filled with too much stuff to try to remember how
these special key combos work.

I'd rather use the rightclick and drag. Besides my memory problems <vbg>, it
also reminds me of all the other options available with the rightclick/drag
technique.

Thanks, Dave! That's not something I'm familiar with (right-click drag)
but sounds worth exploring...