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: Disabling Dragging and Dropping.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 19, 2024)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Adam knows how to disable drag-and-drop editing within Excel, using a macro, by setting the CellDragandDrop property for the Application object. He rightfully notes that this doesn't stop people from dragging information from other programs (such as Word or Outlook) and dropping that information into a worksheet. He wonders if there is a way to disable dragging and dropping into Excel regardless of the source.
The closest solution we've been able to find is a set of macros developed by Ken Puls and noted at this page:
http://www.vbaexpress.com/kb/getarticle.php?kb_id=373
The macros disable certain menu functions and shortcut keys, and thereby disallow cutting, copying, and pasting. Theoretically it also disables dragging and dropping, but only extensive testing with various programs will tell if it will work in Adam's situation.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (11519) 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: Disabling Dragging and Dropping.
Program Successfully in Excel! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to automate any task in Excel and save time and effort. Learn how to extend Excel's functionality with VBA to create solutions not possible with the standard features. Includes latest information for Excel 2024 and Microsoft 365. Check out Mastering Excel VBA Programming today!
At the very heart of editing is the ability to move and copy cells in a worksheet. Understanding the differences between ...
Discover MoreNeed to enter a check mark into a cell? There are a number of ways you can get the desired character, depending on the ...
Discover MoreBefore you go about deleting rows and columns helter-skelter, it is a good idea to determine if there is anything in the ...
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.
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:
Comments