'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Excel Showing Strange Images and Cannot Insert Rows or Columns
Question details
Users experience issues in Excel where worksheets display corrupted or changing images, and standard spreadsheet functions like inserting, cutting, or pasting rows and columns are completely blocked.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Editing an existing Excel worksheet or attempting to manage grid structures like adding new rows and columns.
- Observed behavior
- Worksheets display strange, corrupted, or randomly changing images, while Excel simultaneously prevents the user from inserting, cutting, or pasting any rows and columns.
Verify your specific Microsoft Office version number (e.g., Office 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365) to ensure you target the correct registry paths, and ensure all active Excel processes are closed via the Windows Task Manager.
Inspect and Clear the Excel XLSTART Folder
Corrupted startup files or problematic macros residing in the XLSTART folder can cause Excel to behave erratically. Removing these files can resolve display glitches and formatting blocks.
Ensure that all running instances of Microsoft Excel and other related Office applications are completely closed.
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Type the path to the XLSTART folder (typically %appdata%\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\XLSTART) and press Enter.
Select all files within this folder and move them to a temporary backup folder on your desktop, leaving the XLSTART directory completely empty.
Relaunch Microsoft Excel and open your spreadsheet to check if the strange images are gone and row insertion is functional again.
Reset Microsoft Excel Registry Keys
If clearing the startup folder doesn't resolve the issue, resetting Excel's registry keys forces the application to rebuild its core configuration files, fixing deep-rooted corruption.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Glitch-Free Spreadsheet Experience
If you are tired of dealing with corrupted registry keys, strange image glitches, or blocked row insertions in Microsoft Excel, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative that handles all your spreadsheet needs effortlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for Windows.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer. The lightweight installation process takes only a few minutes to complete.
- 3. Open Problematic Files: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your corrupted Excel files directly. WPS can often bypass Microsoft Office-specific graphical glitches and immediately restore full row and column editing functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel suddenly block me from inserting rows or columns?
This issue typically occurs due to corrupted startup files in the XLSTART directory, damaged application settings in the Windows Registry, or graphic objects (like invisible shapes or corrupted images) that are pushed to the extreme edges of the spreadsheet grid.
What is the purpose of the XLSTART folder in Excel?
The XLSTART folder is used to store startup templates and macros. Any workbook or macro file placed inside this directory is programmed to open automatically in the background whenever Microsoft Excel is launched.
Is it safe to rename registry keys for Microsoft Excel?
Yes, renaming the registry keys to '.old' is a standard troubleshooting step. It safely forces Excel to generate fresh, default configuration files the next time it starts, bypassing the corrupted settings.
Will resetting Excel registry keys delete my saved spreadsheets?
No. Resetting or renaming the registry keys only resets Microsoft Excel's application preferences, toolbar settings, and temporary configurations. Your saved .xlsx or .xls data files will remain completely untouched and safe on your hard drive.
