Take a look at

http://support.microsoft.com/d*efault.aspx?kbid=320531
Changes to fill color and fill pattern are not displayed in Office programs


--

HTH

Bob Phillips

(remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct)

"julianm" wrote in message
...
Used excel for years, but cannot currently perform these simple functipns
on
any sheet - new or old!
Any ideas welcome!