How to Restore Microsoft Excel to Its Default Spreadsheet

Excel 2003 or Earlier
1. Go to \'C:\\Documents and Settings\\
\\Application Data\\Microsoft\\Templates.\' Open \'My Computer\' and open the \'Documents and Settings\' folder. Open your username, then \'Application Data,\' \'Microsoft\' and finally find the \'Templates\' folder.
2. Rename the Book.xlt and Sheet.xlt files to something that you will remember. This step is optional, but allows you to save the settings for later use. Either move these files, or delete them if you don't want to use the template again. If there are no XLT files in this folder, continue below.
3. Go to \'C:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Office\\Office11\\XLStart.\' Navigate to \'Program Files,\' and open the \'Microsoft Office\' directory. Select \'Office11\' and then \'XLStart.\'
4. Look for any template files inside this folder--these are any files with a \'.xlt\' extension. If there are any, delete them. If there are none, continue below.
5. Open Microsoft Excel, and locate the \'Options\' settings under the \'Tools\' menu.
6. Click the \'General\' tab and note which folder is listed \'At Startup, open all files in.\' Minimize or close Excel and navigate to the folder listed in that box.
7. Delete any existing XLT files in that folder. If you want to save them for later use, rename the template using a name you will remember.
8. Open, or close and reopen Microsoft Excel to verify the settings returned to default.
Excel 2007 or Later
9. Open Microsoft Excel.
10. Navigate to the Help menu and open the \'Detect and Repair\' function. The Detect and Repair dialog will appear. If you want to restore your shortcuts at this time, check the appropriate icon.
11. Click \'Start.\' Wait for a short period while Office deletes all of the settings on all of the programs in the suite and restores it to its original installed state. This will apply the settings to Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and any other Office programs you have installed.