Question : Cannot add column to large excel database...

I have a large database (approx. 8,000 rows by 80 columns).  When I try to add a column, I often get the following error:
To prevent possible loss of data, Microsft Excel cannot shift nonblank cells off the worksheet. Try to delete or clear the cells to the right and below the data.  Then select cell A1 and save your workbook to reset the last cell used.  Or, you can move the data to a new location and try again.


I am not sure what these people did to this database, but I have never seen this error appear before.  Any ideas?

Answer : Cannot add column to large excel database...

Hi deintinis,
I think Justin has the right idea--you have something that Excel thinks is content to the right of your data. When you try to add a column, Excel realizes it has to push that information past the maximum number of columns (256).

If your scrollbar goes way past your data (lots of scrollbar travel left, even though you are at the bottom of the data), then you need to clear the blank rows and columns beyond the range of your data.

Go to the bottom row of data, then select the entire next row by clicking on the row number. Then CTRL + Shift + Down Arrow to select all the remaining rows in the worksheet. Use the Edit...Clear menu item to clear the rows of values and formats.

Next, go to the rightmost column of data, then select the entire next column by clicking on the column letter. Then CTRL + Shift + Right Arrow to select all the remaining columns in the worksheet. Use the Edit...Clear menu item to clear the columns of values and formats.

Repeat the above procedure for each worksheet that has problems with the scrollbar extending past the data. Then Save the workbook. Close the workbook. Reopen the workbook, and the scrollbars should now extend only as far as the data.

Cheers!

Brad