moving normal.dot, excel customizations to new computer

[stef]

Excel 2002 SP3
Win XP Pro


Hi,
I have customized my toolbar with custom menu items for macros, etc.
I am now migrating to a new computer with same version of Excel; but
would like to take with me the customizations, both as to tool bars and
menu items, etc.; and macros (I guess I'll have to import the files
containing the macros).
For the customizations, is it just a matter of exporting/copying a files
such as normal.dot (as in Word), etc.?
Any suggestions in helping me achieve a smooth transition and replicate
same setup on new computer as in old, would be very appreciated.

 

[Peo Sjoblom]

Do a windows search for *.xlb, make sure you change the default search so it
looks at hidden folders and files. Then move it to you new computer

 

[Dave Peterson]

Saved from a previous post:

I have a short list of things to copy/update when we changed pc's at work.

It's not complete, but may help you.

Word/Excel files:

FileName Use
custom.dic personal dictionary
*.acl personal autocorrect list
mssp2_en.exc personal exclusion dictionary
normal.dot default (for new documents) template
*.dot Any other templates you've made

*.xlb personal toolbar
book.xlt defaults for new workbooks
sheet.xlt defaults for new worksheets
personal.xl* personal macros
*.xlt Any other templates you've made

And don't forget any:
Local files (If you don’t store on LAN)
(Settings) Directories and other defaults (Tools|Options stuff)

====
I've found the easiest way to find these files is to use Windows start
button|Search.

Remember to look through hidden folders/files. And if I find multiple files of
the same name, I open excel (say), then make a minor change to that file. Then
search again. Then I can pick out the current version of the file.

That said, if you're upgrading from an older version of office, I wouldn't copy
the toolbar. (I would take good notes to help me rebuild this toolbar (maybe
even fix it up a bit).)

Same with the normal.dot (I'd let MSWord rebuild that--then just copy|paste any
macros into it manually.)

The *.xlt (book.xlt, sheet.xlt), I'd copy over, but then open and resave them
using the newer version.

 

[stef]

Thanks.
I imagine all of the *.xlb's need to be in the exact same location as
old computer, correct?

 

[stef]

Dave,
Same question as above--all of the transferred files need to be in exact
same location on new computer as they were in old computer, correct?

 

[Dave Peterson]

Maybe not.

Depending on the upgrade path, the *.xlb file could be in different locations.

I like to modify the toolbar on the new pc. Then close excel and look to see
where excel put it. Then put the file in that location.

 

[stef]

Will do. And post back here if any difficulties.