I realize that I can do that, but after using the fx button for such a long
period of time to enter an "=" sign and then typing my formula after, I am
just programed to hit the fx button for an automatic insertion of the "="
sign to the formula bar.

"Hank" wrote:

maybe you don't need to click FX button, but type = in the cell directly.
then FX function box won't show up

Hank

"Carolyn" wrote:

I've just upgraded to Windows XP and Office 2003 from Windows & Office 2000.
In the older (2000 version) of Excel, when I hit the fx button of the formula
bar it automatically put an "=" sign in the beginning of the formula bar
which I then could type in my formula. With Office 2003 when I hit the fx
button, an "=" sign is put in the box but then the Insert Function box opens
and wants me to select an excel function. I do not necessarily want to use a
function from this box,but may want to just type a formula after the "="
sign. However, if I close or cancel the Function Box, the "=" sign
disappears from the function line. I realize that I can click my cursor in
the function line and type in an "=" sign, however, after using the older
version of excel for so many years, I am just used to clicking the fx button
for automatic insert of the "=" sign. Is there something I need to shut off
so that the Function box does not open automatically prompting me for what
excel function I want?