software

In excel 97, there was a shortcut button on the toolbar to insert the equal
sign in a cell to convert that cell into a formula without changing the
existing data on that cell (extremely useful shortcut for editing). Example
cell contains 12345 (a number) and I want to convert it to 12345-12 (a
formula). I used to be able to select this cell click on the equal sign
shortcut button and enter -12 to get the desire result.

I am currently using excel 2003 and that shortcut button is gone. There is
an option to customize the toolbar to get the equal sign shortcut but when I
click on this shortcut it erases the cell content and insert the equal sign
(not very useful).

Does anyone know of a way to insert the equal sign on a cell to convert it
to a formula without the need to edit this cell by pressing F2 to edit the
entire cell?

No, that functionality is gone to the chagrin of many users

--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblomquot;K Nguyenquot; lt;K gt; wrote in message
news
gt; In excel 97, there was a shortcut button on the toolbar to insert the
equal
gt; sign in a cell to convert that cell into a formula without changing the
gt; existing data on that cell (extremely useful shortcut for editing).
Example
gt; cell contains 12345 (a number) and I want to convert it to 12345-12 (a
gt; formula). I used to be able to select this cell click on the equal sign
gt; shortcut button and enter -12 to get the desire result.
gt;
gt; I am currently using excel 2003 and that shortcut button is gone. There
is
gt; an option to customize the toolbar to get the equal sign shortcut but when
I
gt; click on this shortcut it erases the cell content and insert the equal
sign
gt; (not very useful).
gt;
gt; Does anyone know of a way to insert the equal sign on a cell to convert it
gt; to a formula without the need to edit this cell by pressing F2 to edit the
gt; entire cell?
It is gone as of Excel version 2002.

Not a well-liked or well-received change, I might add.

Other than the F2 or double-click to edit directly in cell I know of no way to
add the = sign without erasing cell contents.Gord Dibben Excel MVP

On Thu, 15 Dec 2005 10:31:02 -0800, quot;K Nguyenquot; lt;K
gt; wrote:

gt;In excel 97, there was a shortcut button on the toolbar to insert the equal
gt;sign in a cell to convert that cell into a formula without changing the
gt;existing data on that cell (extremely useful shortcut for editing). Example
gt;cell contains 12345 (a number) and I want to convert it to 12345-12 (a
gt;formula). I used to be able to select this cell click on the equal sign
gt;shortcut button and enter -12 to get the desire result.
gt;
gt;I am currently using excel 2003 and that shortcut button is gone. There is
gt;an option to customize the toolbar to get the equal sign shortcut but when I
gt;click on this shortcut it erases the cell content and insert the equal sign
gt;(not very useful).
gt;
gt;Does anyone know of a way to insert the equal sign on a cell to convert it
gt;to a formula without the need to edit this cell by pressing F2 to edit the
gt;entire cell?