Sorry but this is a multiple part question. The spreadsheet in question is a
tracker for incoming tasks.

column D is the received date(dd-mmm-yy). I want to highlight the new tasks
received with in the last 72hrs. so basically equal to or 72 hrs less than
todays date.

Column E list the due date(dd-mmm-yy). I would like to highlight the cell
that are due in the next 7 days red and 8-30 days amber.

Column K shows the status as "complete" or "in progress". it is already
conditionally formated to highlight green when "complete" is entered and
yellow when "in progress" is entered. I need to remove the formating in
column D and E above when "complete" is entered in K.

I think the first two parts deal with the "=today or =now" function but I
cant seem to get it right.

thanks
mike