I have an existing excel spreadsheet, & I want to go back in, create another column, & automatically number it, starting at 1 & going on sequentially. According to the help, I started the numbering, 1,2,3 & used the FILL command (down). It then changes all the highlighted cells to 1!! I can number all the cells manually, but then I won't be able to go back in & insert any rows without messing up the numbers.
Help!

Try this - put a 1 in the first cell, and a 2 in the second, then highlight the complete range of cells (including the 1 and 2), and go to Edit.. Fill.. Series. It should default to a step value of 1 and type "linear." See if this works.

Another quick and easy solution to do this is within your first cell, type in the number 1. Underneath that, type in the number 2. Underneath that, type in the number three. Highlight cells 1, 2, and three. While these cells are highlighted, take your curser on the corner of cell number 3 and drag it down as far as you need it to go. This should number it in sequence as you are trying to do (ex. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc... )

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I can number all the cells manually, but then I won't be able to go back in & insert any rows without messing up the numbers.

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Um, putting numbers in a cell either manually or by the fill tools will STILL result in the problem you're describing. The numbers will be static. If you later go back and insert a row between 5 and 6, the 6 WILL move down. So, I think you have the wrong solution.

Why are you wanting to number them? So they will print? I know your way is cleaner, but you will always have to manually repair them if you insert... so...

I'd suggest you just got into FILE > PAGE SETUP > SHEET and check the Row and column headings box. Now the sheet will print with the numbers and you don't have to manually insert/update them.

Your choice.