Tab Key Won't Move from Cell to Cell in Locked Worksheet

Summary: Normally the Tab key can be used to move from one cell to another in Excel. If this cell movement doesn't work for you, it could be because of the way you have the program configured. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 2007.)

Craig created a form that has unlocked cells. When this form is protected and he is using Excel 2003 (or earlier) he can use the Tab key to move from one unlocked cell to another. However, Craig noticed that when he is using Excel 2007 the Tab key will not move from one cell to another. He wonders why this is happening; why Excel doesn't behave as he came to expect in earlier versions of the program.

More than likely the reason is rooted in how Excel 2007 is configured. Here's what you need to check:

Click the Office button and choose Excel Options. Excel displays the Excel Options dialog box.
Click Advanced at the left of the dialog box.
Scroll through the options until you see the Lotus Compatibility category. (Click here to see a related figure.)
Make sure the Transition Navigation Keys check box is unchecked.
Click OK.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3828) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 2007

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Tab Key Won't Move from Cell to Cell in Locked Worksheet