How can I lock the formatting (patterns) in Excel?

I am trying to set up a patterened spreadsheet, similar to a checkbook
register with alternating colors for each row. However, if I want to copy
and paste, or drag any information around, all the colors move from where it
was selected from. Is there a way to lock the formatting (keep the patterns
like as a background) but still be able to copy/paste and move things around?

Thanks!

Are you using conditional formatting for anything?

If no, you can use it for this shading:
http://cpearson.com/excel/banding.htm

AdrianC wrote:
>
> I am trying to set up a patterened spreadsheet, similar to a checkbook
> register with alternating colors for each row. However, if I want to copy
> and paste, or drag any information around, all the colors move from where it
> was selected from. Is there a way to lock the formatting (keep the patterns
> like as a background) but still be able to copy/paste and move things around?
>
> Thanks!

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Dave Peterson