cell formats going bonkers

Originally Posted by JosephP

on the home tab right click the 'normal' option in the cell styles group and choose modify... then reset the number format to general. seems to be an occasional bug in 2007 and 2010

I found it> In the Home tab I had to look over to the section called Number left to right see (clipboard, font alignment, then there is number) there was a drop down option where I selected "General" since I did not see the word Normal. Thanks, my blood pressure is assuming a more normal reading!

Originally Posted by JosephP

following your pm (note: it is preferable to keep all questions in the thread) here are the precise steps
1 select the Home tab
2 look for the group called 'Styles' on that tab and click the 'Cell Styles' dropdown
3 in the list that appears right-click the 'Normal' entry and choose 'modify...'
4 if the 'Number' option in the 'Style includes' section has something besides 'General' next to it, click the 'Format...' button
5 on the Number tab select 'General' then click OK twice

Thanks again I didn't know it was best to keep it all on the forum, I am a newby to forums and old on top of that!!!

Looks like my first inclination and actions were your answer gave me the specifics and now I am out of the woods Again thanks Brother JosephP

Hi rkitson,

There's some things you can do in order to solve your problem or at least you can try it. Hopefully works for you.

I will list them in ascending mode from the easiest to the complex way. Do only one at the time if it doesn't work go to the next.

A: Changing format to all cells

1.- Click on the cell in the upper left hand corner of the spreadsheet in order to select all the cells (see below).
Format example.png
2. *Right click on any of the selected cells and go to "Format Cells"
3. *Select "General" and click OK.
4. Save and exit.
5. Open any other workbook and check the format of cells. If still the problem, then do B.

B: Initial excel template is corrupted

1. Open Excel to a blank workbook.
2. Format the blank file with all options desired. For example, set margins, cell formats, or set up a header or footer. Make sure to remove any values you entered in cells to test formatting unless you want them to appear in every blank workbook.
3. Once your changes are made, click on the File tab and choose Save As.
4. From the “Files of type” drop-down list, select “Excel Template (*.xltx)” and change the file name to “Book.”
5. Set the “Save in” location to the XLSTART folder. This folder is typically located in a path similar to C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice14XLSTART.
6. Click Save.
7. Close and re-open Excel. The blank workbook should contain the formatting you previously set. If still the problen, then C.

C: Excel is corrupted and needs to be unregister/register (for detailed explanation check http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...005199391.aspx)

First at all look for the excel.exe in your computer (in my case is located at C:\program Files\Microsoft Office\office14\)
For Windows Vista and XP:
From the command-line (Startbutton | Run)
For Windows 7:
From the command-line (Startbutton | Blank text box)

Type the following commands (for all windows versions)
1. Unregister Excel with the following command:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\office14\excel.exe" /unregserver
2. Reboot the computer
3. Register Excel with the following command:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\office14\excel.exe" /regserver
4. Reboot the computer
5. Open Excel and check. If the problem remains then do D.

D: Repair Option (Excel embedded option)
For Excel Xp or 2003

1. Open Excel, and go to "Help" (at the top of the Excel window, next to "File", "Edit", "View", "Insert" etc.).
2. Select "Detect and Repair..." (see screenshot).
3. Make sure to select "Restore my shortcuts while repairing".
4. Click "Start" to begin the Detect and Repair process.
excel-detect-and-repair.png

For Excel 2007 and above

1. Control Panel -> Programs and Features
2. Select Microsoft Office
3. Select Repair in the toolbar ath the upper section
4. Re-open Excel

Please let me know if with some of these actions you could solve the problem.

Best regards.

Thanks you guys are great. I am on my way sans an advanced class...me usually thinks me knows sumpin about excel...DUH