EXCEL cell displays PREVIOUS prompt result when NEXT prompt is given.

BobWyand-6542 0 Reputation points
2026-09-29T00:55:38.6566667+00:00

My HLOOKUP routine works correctly, however, my SECOND prompt request continues to show the first request UNLESS I scroll the responding cell off the screen then scroll it back. NOW it displays the requested data instead of showing the previous request results. I have completely rewritten the sheet (NOT copied and pasted) so as to avoid copying any error I have not recognized. Same result. Only on the second prompt; not the third or fourth, etc. Is this an Excel glitch that hasn't been addressed (or recognized previously)? Again, the HLOOKUP routine works PERFECTLY, but on the second prompt I must scroll it off the page, then back, for it to display properly.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-29T00:55:54.75+00:00

    This matches a display rendering issue rather than an HLOOKUP formula problem, especially since the value updates correctly after the cell is scrolled off-screen and back into view.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. In Excel, go to File > Options > General > User Interface. Under When using multiple displays, switch the setting:
      • if it is Optimize for compatibility, change it to Optimize for best appearance
      • if it is Optimize for best appearance, change it to Optimize for compatibility Then restart Excel and test again.
    2. If multiple monitors are in use, make sure they use the same display scaling percentage.
    3. Start Excel in Safe Mode and test the workbook. If the issue does not occur there, a COM add-in may be involved. Check add-ins at File > Options > Add-Ins > COM Add-ins and disable them one at a time, restarting Excel after each test.
    4. Repair Office: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Microsoft 365 Apps > Change and run Quick Repair.
    5. Make sure Excel is fully updated. Some Excel display and UI issues are fixed in later builds.

    The key detail is that scrolling forces the cell to redraw, which strongly points to a screen refresh/rendering problem, not a lookup logic error.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Jade Ng 15,860 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-29T02:54:31.5666667+00:00

    Dear BobWyand-6542,

    Based on your description, I understand that the HLOOKUP formula itself appears to be working correctly, but the issue occurs with the second lookup Excel continues to display the result from the first request until you scroll the affected cell off the screen and then scroll back, at which point the correct result appears.

    To help me narrow down whether this is related to formula recalculation or only the displayed value not refreshing correctly, could you please confirm the following:

    • Which Excel version are you using?
    • Does this issue occur only with the second request, while the third, fourth, and subsequent requests display correctly?
    • When the incorrect previous result is still displayed, please press F9 without scrolling away from the cell. Does the value immediately change to the correct result?
    • Please select File > Options > Formulas and confirm whether Workbook Calculation is set to Automatic.

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    • Does the same behavior occur if you create a completely new workbook and reproduce the HLOOKUP setup with a small sample of data?

    Please provide the information requested above, along with the results after trying the troubleshooting steps provided by AI Assist, so I can better understand the issue and assist you with the appropriate next steps.

    Thank you very much for your valuable time and your cooperation. Looking forward to your response.

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