move or copy sheet without changing formatting

Question

Moving or copying a sheet to a new workbook causes formatting changes to the entire sheet.  Examples:

Cells with no Fill Color become RED

Black Text becomes WHITE

Back cell Borders become WHITE

How can I overcome this?

Answer 1

Well, that certainly is an odd table! There's definitely something wrong with it. Fortunately, it is easy to fix.

Here's one way to fix this file:

1. Select the columns containing your data in Sample.xls
2. Choose Edit > Copy, Command-C or your favorite way to invoke Copy 
3. On the File menu choose New Workbook
4. On the Edit menu choose Paste Special and then choose Text in the dialog, and then click OK
5. While the data is still selected, click the Table button on the Table tab of the Ribbon
6. Choose a different table style if you don't like the default, which is very close to the style you have in the sample.

Answer 2

Hi Jim,

I too faced similar issue what Larry had.

To answer your last question, Both older and new files are xls. Still, I cudnt copy the formatting when I do move or copy. Pls help me in doing so. I can answer whatever question you may have.

Thanks in advance,

Tamil

Answer 3

Is one of the workbooks in an older file format such as (.xls) and the other in a newer format such as (.xlsx)?  If so, then that is normal behavior, as the capabilities of each format are quite different and color mapping is not very close.

Answer 4

No, the original document had no Theme selected, while the new copy indicate the basic Office Theme was on.  Changing the Theme on the copy made no visible change.

Answer 5

Something is fishy. How did you try to "move or copy" it? Did you try right clicking on the worksheet tab and say make a copy in a new workbook? The formatting should not change at all. Check to make sure your copy of Office and the operating system are fully up to date.