Getting Context-Sensitive Help

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 13, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003


Excel includes a complete help system that you can use to answer most questions on how the program operates. This system is context-sensitive, meaning the help you receive will vary, depending on the context in which the help was requested. Excel provides a fast way to ask for context-sensitive help. To do this, press Shift+F1. When you do this, a question mark appears over the mouse cursor. Use the cursor to point to the item for which you need help. When you click on the left mouse button, the help system is displayed.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2312) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

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