Getting Rid of Fixed Objects

Summary: Some dialog boxes in Excel refer to "fixed objects" in worksheets. What are they and how do you get rid of them? (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

Peter has a filtered worksheet. When he takes all the filters off a message box pops up saying "Fixed objects will move!" There is no option other than clicking OK. Peter wonders what fixed objects are and how he can get rid of them.

"Fixed objects" can refer to a multitude of items, such as comments, graphics, controls, etc. They are considered "fixed" because they are placed in a spot on the worksheet and then Excel tries to keep them in that spot.

You can select the objects in a worksheet by pressing F5 to display the Go To dialog box, and then clicking Special. In the resulting dialog box click the Objects radio button and click OK. At this point all the objects are selected and you can, if desired, delete them.

If you need to keep the objects, you can try getting rid of the notice by informing Excel that it is OK for the objects to move. This involves a properties change for each of the objects—right-click the object and choose Properties, then check or clear the checkbox that controls whether the object can move.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3794) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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