Originally Posted September 28 2008

If you are like me, you probably try to minimize re-typing as much as possible.  One technique that you probably use is the Cut (or Copy) and Paste.  For example, if you are looking at a web page and need to copy a model number, serial number, or something with detail, you can merely highlight/select it, press CTRL + C to copy, open a Word document, Excel Spreadsheet, or E-mail then press CTRL + P to paste it.  But, there may be a problem - the formatting of the text will probably transfer to what ever you pasted it in to.  Here's how you can overcome it.

When you paste, instead of pressing CTRL + P,
1. Edit > Paste Special
2. Select Unformatted Text
3. Click OK
*This process works in most Microsoft programs

January 31 2005
Q: What are the keyboard short-cuts for Copy, Cut, and Paste?
A:
Copy = Press and hold CTRL + C at the same time
Cut = Press and hold the CTRL + X at the same time
Paste = Press and hold the CTRL + V at the same time

If you are Mouse oriented and you Right Click to pull-up the Copy, Cut, or Paste from the Pointer menu, keep in mind that they may not always be available.  In these situations you will almost always be able to use the above Key combinations!

May 29 2006
Q: Why do I get '#REF!' or '0's when I copy data from one Excel spreadsheet to another?
A: When you copy data from one spreadsheet to another you are just copying the formulas and not the data.  There is a way to copy and paste only the Data using a feature called Paste Special. 

Here’s how you use it:
-In Excel
1. Highlight/Select the data you want to copy
2. Edit > Copy
3. Open a new spreadsheet (or even an existing one)
4. Place the cursor where you want the Data to be inserted
5. Edit > Paste Special…
6. Select ‘Values’
7. Click ‘OK’