Excel - COLUMN Function Problem - Expert Solution

Question description:
This user has given permission to use the problem statement for this blog.

I need a way to set a default Excel template which will open when ever I open excel. I have a preference for Date format, column and row structure, reference column and freeze panes that I use in almost all sheets. Currently I have to reformat each time I open a new sheet or else re-open a saved version. In prior versions of excel I was able to change the base template. That is my question.
Solved by I. J. in 40 mins
This is the chat thread from the real Excelchat help session. It contains no private user information.
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:22
"Welcome to Excelchat,
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:23
I see that your question is about chaining default format..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:24
I can help you with that problem.
User 15/10/2018 - 02:25
Waiting
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:25
first you need to create a new workbook, format the workbook as you need.
User 15/10/2018 - 02:26
OK, all done
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:26
what version are you using?
User 15/10/2018 - 02:27
This one is Excel 2016
User 15/10/2018 - 02:27
Question applies to anything after 2010
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:28
Click the File > Save > Computer > Browse
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:29
In the coming Save As dialog box
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:29
Name the new template as Book in the File name box
User 15/10/2018 - 02:29
ok
User 15/10/2018 - 02:30
Defaults to book 1. Now where is it to be saved to override the current template
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:30
Name the new template as Book
User 15/10/2018 - 02:30
Done. Now where is it to be saved to override the current default template
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:31
Click the Save as type box and specify the Excel Template (*.xltx) from the drop down list
User 15/10/2018 - 02:32
don't seem to have that extension. There is a xltm
User 15/10/2018 - 02:32
wait, found it
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:32
Remove the saving path in the Address box, and then paste the following path into the Address box and press the Enter key.
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:32
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:33
Click the Save button.
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:33
Restart Microsoft Excel.
User 15/10/2018 - 02:34
program crashed. One moment
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:34
ok
User 15/10/2018 - 02:35
Didn't save. I'll have to try again
User 15/10/2018 - 02:35
While we are at it, is there anyway to skip the default template page on open?
User 15/10/2018 - 02:35
The one that gives the option of opening blank document or one of the multiple templates available
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:36
if done..you can simple click Cntl+N..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:37
and default workbook will be open..
User 15/10/2018 - 02:37
Great. Now back to the original problem
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:37
Save it as a template named Book.xltx in the folder %appdata%\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART
User 15/10/2018 - 02:37
I'm getting an error message that the file name can't use special characters
User 15/10/2018 - 02:38
It seems to be objecting to the %
User 15/10/2018 - 02:38
Maybe I can override with actual user name
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:38
idea is saving template at XLSTART folder..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:39
hold on please..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:40
do not put path in File name..
User 15/10/2018 - 02:41
none?
User 15/10/2018 - 02:41
Then how will it overwrite the template?
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:41
for File Name box only enter Book.xlst
User 15/10/2018 - 02:41
Got it
User 15/10/2018 - 02:41
just overwrote the template
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:41
and put %appdata%\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART in the address box.. top..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:42
and press enter..
User 15/10/2018 - 02:42
found a different way, but it worked.
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:42
ok..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:42
good..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:42
restart Excel..
User 15/10/2018 - 02:43
Now back to question 2 If I use "CtrlN" it opens a new tab. Because I use mutliple screens I need to reopen a new Excel screen
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:43
what do you mean multiple screens..
User 15/10/2018 - 02:43
Wait, with the newer versions it seems to work. Thanks for your help.
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:44
ok..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:44
glad to it works out..
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:45
Do you have any other questions about this problem and the solution?
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:55
Thank you for using the service.
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:55
Don't forget to give additional feedback to help us improve this service!
Excelchat Expert 15/10/2018 - 02:55
♥¸.,·´`°³о♥ Have a nice day ♥¸.,·´` ..

This is the output file from the real Excelchat help session:
This is an example of the expert help you can get. It contains no private user information.

Get instant expert help with Excel and Google Sheets

Post your problem and you’ll get expert help in seconds.

Your message must be at least 40 characters
Your privacy is guaranteed. Your session will not be used for blog unless you give us persmission.

Click here to get your free Excelchat help session

Subscribe to Excelchat.co
Trusted by people who work at
Amazon.com, Inc
Facebook, Inc
Accenture PLC
Siemens AG
Macy's
The Allstate Corporation
United Parcel Service
Dell Inc