Format cells... doesn't work

Question

I'm using Office for Mac 2011, with the latest update 14.3.2 on 10.8.3 OS;

No matter the table I use, or create a brand new one, the function "Format cells..." doesn't work. Simply, nothing happens, except that a "Format" button at the toolbar flashes the moment I hit Command+1, which is a shortcut for Format cells.. Any idea? I tried with "Remove the Excell preferences" routine, didn't help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Is this an issue in one specific workbook file, one specific worksheet, or does it make no difference?

I'm not sure it will resolve the problem but it's worth a try :-)...

1. Go to View> Toolbars> Customize Toolbars & Menus
2. On the Toolbars & Menus page click the name of the Worksheet Menu Bar
3. Click the Reset button
4. Click OK to close the dialog

If that doesn't correct the problem the next test would be to create a new User Account to see if the same behavior occurs when you use Excel while logged in as that user.

Answer 2

Have you tried a simple restart of your Mac?... Might not hurt to do a permissions repair first using Disk Utility or comparable.

Hi CyberTaz,

Repairing disk permissions followed by Restart didn't do any good, either.

Answer 3

Have you tried a simple restart of your Mac?... Might not hurt to do a permissions repair first using Disk Utility or comparable.

Answer 4

Can you get the Format Cells dialog to come up using the Menu (Format/Cells...)?

If not, did you have all Office apps closed when you removed preferences?

Does this happen if you start the XL application while holding the Shift key down?

Hi J.E.,

Format cells dialog won't apear neither thru Menu/Format/Cells..., nor right click/Format cells..., nor Command+1 as a shortcut. There is no way for me to get thru.

All of the apps were closed during the preferences removal, not only Office ones - only Finder was active.

Starting the XL while holding the Shift key down didn't help either...

I am using a MacBook Pro, 13" mid 2011, i5 processor, if this helps in any way...

Thanks.

Answer 5

Can you get the Format Cells dialog to come up using the Menu (Format/Cells...)?

If not, did you have all Office apps closed when you removed preferences?

Does this happen if you start the XL application while holding the Shift key down?