geojag, see if this will help,

Changes to Fill Color and Fill Pattern Are Not Displayed
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=320531
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Paul B
Always backup your data before trying something new
Please post any response to the newsgroups so others can benefit from it
Feedback on answers is always appreciated!
Using Excel 2002 & 2003

"geojag" wrote in message
...
When working in Excel 2003 when I change the color of text, cell fill
etc.,
the working view does not change. I know that these changes are taking
effect
because I can see the changes in print preview or when I print the
document.
How can I view color in my working spread-sheets?