Probably has to do with Conditional Formating. If the cells contain dates,
you could be opening the file on a date that meets the criteria to change
colors. Or some other criteria. Check the conditional format dialogue box.

"De1b0y" wrote:

I have good old Office 2003.
My colleagues have Office 2007.
When I am sent an Excel file by email with cells filled with colours, the
colours are changed when I open the file.
Just received email with spreadsheet attached with (I am told) Yellow/
Amber/ Green cell colours. However, when I open the file the colours are now
Yellow/ Amber/ Yellow!!
Any explanation or help gratefully received.
Thanks
De1b0y