[dstreng]

I am using excel 2003 on widows xp. I have created a workbook with a different color scheme and I saved it in the XLStart folder so that it opens automatically when I open excel. I have also saved it as a template so that if i click file new i can choose the template and have the same color scheme. I would like to know if there is a way for me to simply click the new workbook button and keep this same template so that I don't have to click file new and choose the template.

thanks,
Derek

[slurpee55]

I think you can open Excel, go to Format, Styles. Click on Modify, make your changes and save.
Then, any time you open Excel after that, it will read the Normal style as the template.

[dstreng]

Thanks, I appreciate the response, but when I do that I am still stuck in the same spot where excel will open with my format but every time I hit the blank sheet or new workbook button it goes back to excel's default settings

[slurpee55]

Okay, I fiddled around and had to research some more.
Open up Excel, make the changes you want and save the file as a template named book (make sure it is not book1 - that leads to problems).
Excel will save it in a folder that is hard to find - in my case it was
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates
Go to there and cut the file
Go to
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\STARTUP
Paste the file in there.
Open Excel, and go to Tools, Options, General.
At the bottom of the General tab is a field that says
"At startup, open all files in:"
Enter C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\STARTUP into there
(the easiest way to do this is to open that folder, copy the address at the top of the folder, then place your cursor in that line and hit Ctrl+V.)
Close Excel and open it again and it will automatically open that file in the background and apply it to your new work.

[Zack Barresse]

Just be careful when editing Book.xls, as it's the template Excel will base every new worksheet from. I know it's extra steps, but you're still better off hitting the two or three extra clicks to open a template of yours. IMHO.

HTH

[slurpee55]

I didn't give much thought to it, but Zack is right. At the very least, make a copy of book.xlt and save it somewhere - and if you can't find the original (I couldn't, but I know it has to exist) make a copy of a regular sheet and save it as a template with a name like "oldbook" or some such, so you can , in case you want to revert to the old settings, just get it, name it "book" and place it in the startup folder, thus overriding the "book" with the changes that you currently want.

[dstreng]

Awesome, the changes worked and I saved a backup copy of the original book. I really appreciate the help and a big thanks to both of you for your quick replies

[slurpee55]

Glad to help.
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