Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Odd Arrow Key Behavior.
If you are ever using Excel and the arrow keys don't work like you think they should, it could be because of the Scroll Lock key. Normally, when you press an arrow key, Excel moves the cell highlight in the direction of the key you pressed. If the Scroll Lock key has been activated, however, Excel doesn't move the cell highlight, it instead moves the worksheet, changing what is displayed on the screen.
To solve this odd behavior, simply press on the Scroll Lock key another time. The arrow keys should again behave as you expect them to.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2072) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Odd Arrow Key Behavior.
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2015-02-03 17:11:17
Cam
It was a silly problem, but I'm glad this site had the answer I needed.
2014-09-23 13:32:17
joani
Finally, a solution for a Mac keyboard that doesn't have a scroll lock key! Thanks so much, Bruce Brier!!!
2014-08-19 17:32:59
Bruce Brier
This happened to me on Macintosh Office ver. 2011. Fixed it with F14 key.
2013-12-13 11:24:42
Alex
Thanks a lot. My problem has been solved.
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: 
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