Fill and text colors repeatedly changing in a document

[amfmw]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I have an Excel file with fields that are very specifically color coded, but repeatedly, when I open the file, the text and fill colors have changed. Sometimes all of the colors change, sometimes only some colors change. They have to be changed back manually each time, which is highly time consuming and frustrating. I can't see a pattern, either.

Originally the file was created on a PC, so I started a completely new workbook and copied the text over column by column and the new file seems to have the same problem.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

 

[CyberTaz]

When you say "created on a PC" do you mean with Excel 2007 or some other
version? If 2007, it's likely that "Color Schemes" & "Document Themes" were
used. Unfortunately there seems to be a discrepancy between the color tables
used in the 2007/2008 products. I thought it had been at least partially
corrected via updates to both, but that may not be the case or may not
affect pre-existing files.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[amfmw]

Thank you for your reply.

It was a file I used from my office as a template, but I believe it was an older version of Excel. I don't actually know, and don't work there anymore, so can't check the computer.

Do you suggest starting a completely new file?

 

[CyberTaz]

Having your own native template would be the best idea, but you shouldn't
have to start from scratch. If you have a file that would serve as an
acceptable model just remove anything that you don't want to have in the new
files, set the colors you want [look into Styles for cell formatting] & use
Save As to create an Excel Template (.xltx).

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[amfmw]

Thank you again. I think this might be a broader issue - this morning, working in a completely different file, I tried to underline a row of cells, and not only did the text underline, but it changed from black to lavender.

I've played with it several times. It happens regardless of whether I use the formatting palette or Command+U. When hitting Command+U again, the underlining goes away, but the text stays lavender. When I hit Command+Z to undo, however, the text changes back to black.

Lavender is the color the text in the other document repeatedly changes to, as well, although the fill color changes are all different colors.

Does this sound at all familiar? This is the first time I've ever had a computer issue, PC or Mac, Office or any program, where I couldn't find at least one other person who'd had the same problem.

 

[CyberTaz]

Does this happen in new files you create? Is your software updated? --
12.2.0 is the current version. I'd also suggest repairing disk permissions &
restarting your Mac.

What happens if you log in while holding the shift key? How about if you
launch Excel while holding shift? Also, try running Excel using a different
user account & see if you have the same results.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac