Disappearing characters in formula bar

I am running Excel 2010 on Windows 7. When I select a cell, the formula bar only shows part of the formula. The characters are there, I can replace or delete them but they are invisible. When I press F2 in order to edit the formula within the cell it is displayed fine. The numbers of hidden characters varies depending on the length of the formula/value.

March 19th, 2012 6:38pm

First try to make the formula bar higher (? thicker)
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March 19th, 2012 6:53pm

Did not think of trying that. Unfortunately it did not work.

March 19th, 2012 7:24pm

No one else, suffering from this?
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March 20th, 2012 8:45pm

We have the same issue here with one user.

So you're not alone.

We have tried creating a new worksheet and the problem is still there.

You can fill in a cell....click another cell and then select the previous cell...and you'll be missing the first part of what you've typed.

The same part is also gone in the formula bar.

March 23rd, 2012 3:09pm

We have the same issue here with one user.

So you're not alone.

We have tried creating a new worksheet and the problem is still there.

You can fill in a cell....click another cell and then select the previous cell...and you'll be missing the first part of what you've typed.

The same part is also gone in the formula bar.

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March 23rd, 2012 3:09pm

I realize this thread is a little old, but in case anyone finds this while searching for a solution to the problem, I've verified on my end (though it may not be the case for all users experiencing this) that, if you are experiencing this with a multi-monitor setup, this problem is fixed by moving Excel to the primary monitor (or whichever one it isn't currently displayed on).

Magically, the problem goes away. YMMV, but this looks like it might be The Fix for most instances of this bug.

  • Proposed as answer by Jossah Tuesday, September 25, 2012 5:21 PM
  • Marked as answer by MrFou Tuesday, September 25, 2012 10:35 PM
September 25th, 2012 5:21pm

I realize this thread is a little old, but in case anyone finds this while searching for a solution to the problem, I've verified on my end (though it may not be the case for all users experiencing this) that, if you are experiencing this with a multi-monitor setup, this problem is fixed by moving Excel to the primary monitor (or whichever one it isn't currently displayed on).

Magically, the problem goes away. YMMV, but this looks like it might be The Fix for most instances of this bug.

  • Proposed as answer by Jossah Tuesday, September 25, 2012 5:21 PM
  • Marked as answer by MrFou Tuesday, September 25, 2012 10:35 PM
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September 25th, 2012 5:21pm

Can't believe I did not notice that. The formula is displayed fine if I switch back to the main screen or if I un-maximize the window.

It does not solve the problem but allows me to get around it.

Thanks a lot!

September 25th, 2012 10:37pm

Yes changing monitors temporarily alleviates the problem, but it does not solve it.  Does anyone know of a solution to this?

Thanks,

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June 25th, 2013 7:28pm

I was using a multi monitor setup. This solution proved effective.

thanks Jossah, and MrFru for asking!

January 3rd, 2014 2:51pm

I am getting this too - really annoying having to move the sheet to the other display screen.  It just started this week, never had this problem before - something to do with an update?
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February 26th, 2014 12:49pm

Ive had this issue a few times over the last month, it's super annoying.  It almost seems as if Excel is re-sized past certain point it appears, but keeping it small on the second screen works.  Keeping it at any size on the first screen is ok... for now.

This solution isn't going to work for me...  I'm sure all of us with Dual Monitors like to keep each monitor for certain applications.  Might be slight OCD, but this is going to be really annoying.

February 28th, 2014 8:13pm

As others pointed out, moving to the primary monitor is not a 'solution'. 

I have the same issue - if I un-maximize the window or move to the primary monitor the problem goes away, but immediate returns upon going back full screen on the second monitor.

Does Microsoft actually monitor these boards or look for the users to solve all the problems?

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March 21st, 2014 3:30pm

Another workaround is to hit backspace next to the first character that is shown in the formula bar. Not a fix if you have very many cells to do this on but useful if need be.
  • Proposed as answer by Azriel Chelst Friday, January 02, 2015 7:39 PM
  • Unproposed as answer by Azriel Chelst Friday, January 02, 2015 7:39 PM
April 22nd, 2014 2:21pm

Another workaround is to hit backspace next to the first character that is shown in the formula bar. Not a fix if you have very many cells to do this on but useful if need be.
  • Proposed as answer by Azriel Chelst Friday, January 02, 2015 7:39 PM
  • Unproposed as answer by Azriel Chelst Friday, January 02, 2015 7:39 PM
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April 22nd, 2014 2:21pm

Awesome.  I've had this problem for months.  I tried the multi-monitor trick and it worked.  So crazy.  Don't think we are going to find another solution :(.
January 2nd, 2015 7:40pm

I am SO grateful that you posted this workaround! Thank you! Found this answer January 2015!  I thought I was losing my mind.
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January 13th, 2015 5:35pm

Don't know if you'll every see this, Jossah, but thanks! That's exactly my situation.
January 21st, 2015 4:56pm

I found a proper fix for this issue.

Go to the screen resolution settings on your PC by right clicking on the desktop, or through the control panel.

Move the position of your monitors. I moved the primary screen so that the bottom edge was in line with the 2nd and 3rd monitor.

Once I applied these settings the formula bar was viewable on any screen, not just the primary one. 

This is one of the oddest bugs I've seen in Excel. The bug itself and the fix don't make any sense, but I guess it's best not to question it. 



  • Edited by Ed_Alt 15 hours 17 minutes ago
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June 30th, 2015 11:52am

I found a proper fix for this issue.

Go to the screen resolution settings on your PC by right clicking on the desktop, or through the control panel.

Move the position of your monitors. I moved the primary screen so that the bottom edge was in line with the 2nd and 3rd monitor.

Once I applied these settings the formula bar was viewable on any screen, not just the primary one. 

This is one of the oddest bugs I've seen in Excel. The bug itself and the fix don't make any sense, but I guess it's best not to question it. 



  • Edited by Ed_Alt Tuesday, June 30, 2015 4:12 PM
June 30th, 2015 3:51pm

Thank you so much for your post - This fixed my issue!
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July 9th, 2015 2:30pm

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