The only solution I've found is to open Excel first, then copy and paste.

Ron H wrote:
Here's the problem: I copy something into the clipboard, open Excel to paste
it into a spreadsheet, but Excel pastes a small Excel icon into the clipboard
that obliterates the information I wanted to paste. Does anyone know how to
stop Excel from pasting that icon when it starts up? I'm using Excel 2000.

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Debra Dalgleish
Excel FAQ, Tips & Book List
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html