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Delete every other column in Excel worksheet

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Posted on by Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee

As the title says, I am looking for a way to delete every other column in an excel worksheet.

Starting with column D, F, H, J...etc... and the final column to delete is CH. I assume a Loop would accomplish this, but I am not sure how to set it up.

Thank you!

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Power Automate Desktop

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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Try this:

1. 'Launch Excel' with your file
2. 'Focus windows', class = XLMAIN
3. 'Select cells in excel worksheet': select column 4, row 1
4. 'For 1 to x' (you have to adjust x here... to delete final column CH, x=42)
5. 'Send keys' {LControlKey}({Space}) (Ctrl+Space to select all column)
6. 'Send keys' {LControlKey}({OemMinus}) (Ctrl -, to delete column)
7. 'Send keys' {Right} (to move 1 column to the right)
8. End of loop
Recording desktop will help find the correct keys in steps 5 to 7.
Also, you can put all 'Send keys' together (i separated them just for explaining purposes)

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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Would you be able to share a screenshot of what this would look like? I am a little confused by what you mean in #4 and #6.

Thank you for your assistance! I appreciate you taking the time.

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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This wouldn't be so useful since I use a non-english version of PAD.
4 is a 'Loop' action that starts from 1, end to 42 and increment by 1
6 is a 'Send Keys' action. In parameters, fill with {LControlKey}({OemMinus}), which is the equivalent of using Ctrl - as shortcut.

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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I should be able to figure out what actions you are using regardless of the language. The reason I am requesting a screenshot is because I am still learning how to use PAD so I am not entirely sure by what you mean.

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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Thank you! This works perfectly. Screenshot for those who use PAD English below:

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