Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated August 26, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Isabelle wrote concerning a problem she was having with Excel. It seems that the Formula bar is not persistent for her. It disappears when opening some workbooks, which is quite bothersome.
By default, the Formula bar should be turned on. It is possible to manually turn it off, or to have a macro turn it off. In fact, this last method of turning it off—through a macro—is probably what is happening in Isabelle's case. Some workbooks created by others may have macros in them that run whenever you open the workbook. This is not unusual, as macros are often used to configure the Excel environment to fit the particular needs of whoever programmed the macro.
A problem arises, however, when the expectations of the macro programmer don't match those of the user. For instance, the programmer may see no need for the Formula bar to be on, and so may turn it off. A similar problem arises when the programmer turns off the Formula bar but forgets to turn it back on when the macro is completed or when the workbook is closed.
If the problem is caused by a macro or by an add-in, then the only way to solve it is to either change the macro yourself, or else have the original programmer change it so the Excel interface reflects how you want to work with the worksheet.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2070) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Dive Deep into Macros! Make Excel do things you thought were impossible, discover techniques you won't find anywhere else, and create powerful automated reports. Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad help you instantly visualize information to make it actionable. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, real-world case studies, and 50 workbooks packed with examples and solutions. Check out Microsoft Excel 2019 VBA and Macros today!
Ever tried to clean-up the icons on your toolbar only to have one that won't go away? This tip explores some possible ...
Discover MoreWhen you make a change to one of Excel's toolbars, do you know where that change is stored? This tip explains the name ...
Discover MoreExcel normally displays the font list on the toolbar or using the very fonts it is displaying. Here's how to change that ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments