Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 11, 2019)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
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 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Want to change the groupings used by Excel when it creates pie charts? Your options are limited, as you learn in this tip.
Discover MoreAdding labels to a chart can make the information presented in the chart more understandable. Excel allows you to add ...
Discover MoreIf you use Excel's graphic capabilities to insert a line or an arrow into a worksheet, you can change how that arrow ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-12-15 19:32:09
Tom
In regards to "Fixed objects will move"... Thank you, Allen!
I do not know if this will help others or not. I am using Excel 2013 on Windows 10.
1. Holding down the "Escape" key... quickly (relatively) got me thru the numerous "Ok" clicks.
2. I had been using filters heavily, clearing a filter for one column and adding one to a different column. I also had edited a few comments (of the many) that I had in various cells. I am thinking editing/moving a comment or two is what triggered my error. Regardless, the error did not occur upon setting a filter upon a column, it occurred when I selected an option within the choices for that particular filter. Finally after re-editing a comment and moving it back to where it had been, and also removing all filters and saving the spreadsheet a couple of times, the error ceased.
2023-06-23 12:22:16
Rebecca Pawlus
My screen locked up with this popup and after I closed Excel through Task Manager, I followed the advice to find objects with F5. None were found. Now what?
2020-08-27 02:05:39
Michael Quinlan
Same problem. I can't try to attempt the solution as I cannot move. I cannot click F5 or go to change the properties. If anyone has found an alternative solution please advise
2020-05-07 02:23:38
Moazeem
while removing filter FIXED OBJECT WILL MOVE ....... IT WON'T CLOSE ON THE OK AND WON'T ALLOW ANY OTHER EXCEL TO OPEN OR SHUT. ONLY ON ONE EXCEL WORKSHEET AND IT FREEZES THE COMPUTER. HOW DO i STOP IT?????
2020-04-30 06:29:27
Sam Huckin
Found the same as Darryl:
In my case, fixed objects referred to cell notes which weren't found by the "Go To > Special > Objects" search. They require their own "Go To > Special > Notes" search, which selects them all and right-clicking allows quick and easy deletion.
2020-01-31 12:33:06
Darryl
This can also refer to reviewing notes or comments attached to cells. Not sure of a fix, as in my case, they weren't needed anymore, so I just deleted them.
2019-07-18 07:01:28
BERNICE
FIXED OBJECT ....... IT WON'T CLOSE ON THE OK AND WON'T ALLOW ANY OTHER EXCEL TO OPEN OR SHUT. ONLY ON ONE EXCEL WORKSHEET AND IT FREEZES THE COMPUTER. HOW DO i STOP IT?????
2019-05-29 12:50:49
I recently started getting the message "Fixed Items Will Move" after using Excel for many years. It completely locks my screen, no matter what key I press I get a 'ding'. My only recourse is to use cntl/alt/del and have to start over (All changes unsaved). What is this function and how can I stop it?
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.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments