"Too many different cell formats"

Hello Margaret,

Thank you for your question. This problem occurs when the workbook contains more than 64,000 different combinations of formatting in Excel 2007 and later versions. A combination is defined as a unique set of formatting elements that are applied to a cell. A combination includes all font formatting (for example: typeface, font size, italic, bold, and underline), borders (for example: location, weight, and colour), cell patterns, number formatting, alignment, and cell protection.

To fix the problem, use the Clear Formats button in the Home ribbon to remove cell formatting.
Then, simplify the formatting of your worksheet. For example, follow these guidelines to simplify formatting:
Use a standard font. By using the same font for all cells, you can reduce the number of formatting combinations.
If you use borders in a worksheet, use them consistently.

Note: The borders between cells overlap. For example, if you apply a border to the right side of a cell, you do not have to apply a border to the left side of the adjacent cell to the right.
If you apply patterns to cells, remove the patterns. To do this, open the Format Cells dialog box, click the Patterns tab, and then click No Color.
Use styles to standardize the formatting throughout the workbook.
Note: After you simplify or standardise the formatting in the workbook, save, close, and then reopen the workbook before you apply additional cell formatting.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards
Marius Barnard
STL