I have a client that has a large spreadsheet (over 5000 rows). The spreadsheet is divided up into different sales areas for the managers of each area. The client saves and emails the entire spreadsheet out to the different managers but will hide and lock the cells that do not pertain to the managers area before doing so.

The problem he is now seeing is that all of the custom cell formatting is being removed after he saves the spreadsheet for the individual managers. So instead of the managers opening a spreadsheet that makes sense they see just a plain spreadsheet with data, no grid, no highlights, no color coding, etc...

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Joe

Hi Joe,

Based on your description, I want to ask you several questions about your issue.

1. Could you tell me how did you format the cells in excel file? Did you use Conditional Formatting option?

2. Which version of Excel are you using to create the Excel file? Did you also use Excel 2010 to create this file?

I tried to test your issue in my own environment, but I didn't have enough information about your excel file. First I created a simple data with highlight formatting, locking and hiding cells then I protected the worksheet. I sent this file to another user, but I didn't get the issue as yours. I also formatted the cells by using Conditional Formatting option, I still didn't get the same issue.

If possible I suggest you take screenshots about the source file and the error file, please send screenshots and a sample file to our email address:
ibsofc@microsoft.com
Please Note: Please add the URL of the case in the email subject or body.

You can provide more information about your issue, I'm glad to help and follow up your reply.

Regards,

Emi Zhang
TechNet Community Su

Emi,

I sent the questions to the client and asked if he could provide me with a before and after screen capture of the issue he is having. I am fairly certain that the file was originally created in Excel 2010 but have asked the client to confirm. Thank you for the reply and I will send the information to you as soon as I receive it.

Joe

Hi Joe,

OK, I'd like to help you when I receive the email.

Regards,

Emi Zhang
TechNet Community Su

Emi,

I finally heard back from the client and he was able to resolve his problem by making a change in his spreadsheet and saving it as an XLSM file instead of a standard Excel file. Thank you for the assistance.

Joe

• Marked as answer by jtrai4911 16 hours 36 minutes ago