From http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/software/...0001543,00.htm

"To get rid of the Office Assistant, right-click the cartoon character paper clip, and then choose
Options from the resulting pop-up menu. Clear the check box beside the 'Use the Office Assistant'
box and click OK.

You can also permanently exorcise the assistant so that no one using the computer can resurrect him.
Here's how. From the Start menu, select Settings Control Panel Add/Remove Programs; highlight
Microsoft Office, click 'Add or remove features' and hit Next. Under Office Shared Features, find
Office Assistant, and then click the small arrow and choose Not Available. Click the Update button
to uninstall the assistant."

HTH,
Bernie
MS Excel MVP


"Robin Clay" <Robin wrote in message
...
Greetings !
When I start Excel, this wretched character on a bicycle appears - I know
how to get rid of him, but how can I prevent him from starting?