Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 22, 2025)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Dave admits he is an inaccurate typist, and he often hits the Insert key when he doesn't mean to. He wonders if there is a way to disable the Insert key in Excel, short of using a screwdriver to pry it off.
There are a number of things you could try. If you don't need to use the Insert key in any program (not just Excel), you can disable the Insert key in Windows by editing the Registry. This page indicates how you can accomplish the task:
http://www.wikihow.com/Disable-the-Insert-Key-in-Windows
Another option, without the necessity of modifying the Registry, is to use a third-party program to change how each key on your system behaves. Here is a candidate you can check out:
http://www.hotkeycontrol.com/
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (5599) 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!
You may want to adjust the way that Excel displays its various menus. This tip explains how you can turn off the dynamic ...
Discover MoreOne of the important configuration files for Excel is known as the XLB file. You should periodically make backups of this ...
Discover MoreExcel keeps track of a range of stats about each workbook you use. If you want to take a look at those stats, it's easy; ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
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