I have recently come across a vexing problem regarding formula input in MS
Excel 2003. I have not been able to replicate the problem in previous
versions.

When typing a formula in a cell, the formula itself appears but it does not
calculate. I have looked in numerous places for a simple remedy or
suggestions and the common answer is that the format of the cell in question
needs to be changed from "Text" to "General"....almost any format EXCEPT text.

Well, I have tried to change the format....doesn't work
I have copied the data in the spreadsheet to a NEW spreadsheet where the
format of the blank cells I am entering formulas into is set to
general...doesn't work
I have changed the autocalculation feature to automatic...no help there either

The ONLY thing that works - and not all the time - is pressing F9 and left
mouse clicking on the cell TWICE. I only came up with this by chance and
frustration. I'm working with a lot of data in this spreadsheet and I can't
click on each cell holding F9 simultaneously.

What am I missing? The problem appears to have something to do with
formatting as I can paste an existing cell reference from a neighboring cell
and that formula will calculate BUT if I edit the cell I dragged the formula
to, the formula appears and not the result of the formula.

Can I do anything to correct this annoyance? Has the file that I am working
on been authored in a version of Excel that is not compatible with the
release I am using?

The formula is just a simple cell reference where I'm copying the contents
of a target cell to a destination.

If anyone can give me direction, I would appreciate it as NONE of the posted
remedies are working for me.