Peter
A lot of "slow" Excel problems are caused by too many files in your
Windows\Temp folders.
Clear out your Windows\Temp folder.(see notes below)
If using WinXP another Temp folder would be in your
Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\Temp
If you are a Net, the Temp folder could be just about anywhere.
Notes on deleting Windows\Temp files............
Re-boot to make sure there are no Temp files being used by Windows(program
installs, updates etc.) It is easy to forget that when Windows stated "Your
Computer needs to re-boot to complete this update. Re-boot Now?" and you
clicked "No, I'll do it later". The files are stored in Windows\Temp folder.
If you delete them before a re-boot, you can hoop whatever was going on.
After the re-boot, select all files in Windows\Temp folder and delete.
Also in Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\Temp
For more help on speeding up Excel see Charles Williams' site.
http://www.decisionmodels.com/optspeedb.htm
Gord Dibben Excel MVP