Excel 2007 : Find Tool Inconsistent

[Mazdaspeed]

First, I have checked my spelling, and I have ensured that what I am searching for in the spreadsheet exists. That being said, here is my problem.

I have several 2007 spreadsheets, all of which have the same "find" tool problem, with varying observations. For the sake of discussion, let's call them SSA, SSB, and SSC. The problem I am having has affected every spreadsheet, but in a different way; however, to make the matter easier to discuss, I will limit my concern to just three spreadsheets (SS).

SSA: When using ctrl+f, anything in column one will not be found. For example, in column one of SSA, I could have just the number "1". Using ctrl+f and searching for "1" (typed in the find box) will cause the tool to show me that no results could be found.

SSB: Sort of the same as above, except that column 4 has the problem.

SSC: Same as SSA, except the whole spreadsheet is affected; nothing can be found using the find tool.

To make it more complicated, SSC was sent to a co-worker via email, and he is able to use the find tool without experiencing any of the described problems. Also, I can copy all of the data (ctrl+a, then ctrl+c) from any of the problematic spreadsheets into a newly created blank spreadsheet (ctrl+v), and then be able to use the find tool just fine. While it seems I have found a work-around, I don't want to do this for the 30+ spreadsheets (in which most contain several Sheets) I work with.

So, any suggestions?

[JBeaucaire]

Click on the OPTIONS button in the FIND window and make sure the [x] Match entire cell contents option is not selected.

[Mazdaspeed]

Thank you for your response. I wish the problem were so simple, but unfortunately the match iption is not the culprit.

[JBeaucaire]

There are other options in there that may be affecting your search. Values vs Formulas perhaps.