Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 16, 2024)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Gary wrote about a problem he was experiencing with Excel. It seems that any customizations he made to the Standard toolbar were periodically and randomly removed by Excel. This didn't happen when he customized other toolbars--only the Standard toolbar.
This does, indeed, sound odd. Several other ExcelTips subscribers attempted to duplicate the problem, but were unable to do so. For that reason, it appears that the problem may be due to some conflict with a different program installed on the system. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to track down such problems. The only solution is to work around them.
The first suggestion is to not make any modifications to the Standard toolbar, if that is the only one exhibiting this problem. Instead, create a brand new toolbar and place on it the tools you would normally have on the Standard toolbar, plus your customizations. This leaves the original Standard toolbar "as is" and provides you with a new toolbar that has all the same functionality, customized for your individual needs. You can then turn off the Standard toolbar and only display your custom one.
Another good idea is to periodically back up your toolbar customizations. If you do run into funny, random resetting of the toolbars, you can then use your backup to restore everything the way you want it.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2593) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Solve Real Business Problems Master business modeling and analysis techniques with Excel and transform data into bottom-line results. This hands-on, scenario-focused guide shows you how to use the latest Excel tools to integrate data from multiple tables. Check out Microsoft Excel Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
Excel normally displays the font list on the toolbar or using the very fonts it is displaying. Here's how to change that ...
Discover MoreExcel's interface can be easily modified to reflect the way you want to do your work. This tip explains how you can ...
Discover MoreOnce you've edited your toolbars, you may want to change them back to their default appearance and behavior. This tip ...
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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments