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I don't have an answer for FREEZE PANES. Sorry.

Regarding the fill handle. Highlight a row by clicking in a cell. The row is now highlighted and you should see the fill handle in the cell you clicked on. Grab the fill handle and drag the green outline to another row. Now click on the cell you wish to use the fill handle by clicking once in that cell. You will find that the green highlight does not follow in this scenario.

I can't take credit for the code as it is something I picked up somewhere but don't recall where.