How do I have the date in a spreadsheet change automically.

[VC]

I have created a spreadsheet in Excel 2003. This spreadsheet lists
contractors and whether or not they have public liability or workcover
insurance. The spreadsheet shows what date their insurance expires on. I
would like to know if it is possible for the cells to change colour
automically when the date changes. For example if the date expires on the
31/8/06 can I set up a formula to have the cell change from red to green
after I change the date in the cell. Also is there a way for the cell to
change automically from red to green without me having to change the date in
the cell manually. If anyone knows if this is possible could they please let
me know. Thank you.

 

[Tom]

VC,
You can do this through CONDITIONAL FORMATTING. Select the cell with the
date and go to FORMAT....CONDITIONAL FORMATTING. From there, select the
following options: CELL VALUE IS....LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO....A1
That assumes that you put todays date in cell A1. Then you can select the
cell format (color) that you want applied when the condition is met - Green
in this case.
I would set a cell, A1 in this case, with the following =NOW, that way you
don't have to enter any dates, Excel puts todays date in the cell when you
open the file and your cell with the expiry date checks todays date and auto
changes color if it is expired.

Tom