Quoted from an XL "Tips" page:

"If you'd like certain settings to always be applied to new
workbooks, you can override what file Excel uses as the basis for
new files. All you have to do is create a special template file
and save it in your XLSTART folder.

Before you actually save the file, you need to identify where
your XLStart folder is located (or your Startup: Excel folder if
you're using a Mac). The location varies depending on both your
Office version and operating system, so your best course of
action is to use your operating system's Find or Search feature
to locate the folder. You may actually find multiple copies of
the folder, depending on whether your system incorporates user
profiles--choose whichever makes the most sense for your needs
and make a note of its path.

Once you have the folder path, configure a workbook as you'd
like and then save it as a template. To do so, choose File | Save
As from the menu bar. Next, choose Template (*.xlt) from the Save
As Type dropdown list (the Format pop-up menu on a Mac). Using
the Save In dropdown list, locate and open the XLStart or
Startup: Excel folder. Finally, change the File Name setting to
Book.xlt (just name the file Workbook on a Mac) and click Save."

--

HTH,

RD
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Please keep all correspondence within the Group, so all may benefit!
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"cooldaisyday" wrote in message
...
I'm trying to change the default startup template in Excel 2003. No luck.
I've followed all steps in the help menu with no luck?