Conditional Formatting a whole spreadsheet

Hello,

I would like to apply the following formula of conditional formatting to my whole spreadsheet, but it doesn't seem to work.

=ISBLANK($B$2)

Instead I would like it to color all blank cells in my print area worksheet so wouldn't it read

=ISBLANK($A$2:$V$1140)

Why isn't it working?

The following WON'T work either because once I copy and paste special I cannot add data to any blank cell without the whole lot turning back to white.

Copy the cell A1
Select the area that you want to apply the conditional formatting to
Right click in that selected area and select "Paste Special"
Select "Formats"

Please help.

Thank you,

Danielle