Bob

Sounds like you have your Tools>Options>General "default file location" and
"alternate startup file location" designated as the same folder.

Excel will try to open any files it finds in either the XLSTART folder or
"Alternate startup file location" or "at startup, open file in".  This could
be the source of your problem.

First thing I would try is to start Excel in Safe Mode so you bypass any
XLSTART folder or "Alternate startup file location" if you have one entered.

Enter this at Start>Run(your path may differ) to start in Safe Mode

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\excel.exe" /s

Your path may differ.

Then I would check the Tools>Options>General and delete any path in "Alternate
startup file location".

Gord Dibben   XL2002