Excel Extremely Slow Since Last Couple of Updates

[Steven...@officeformac.com]

Version: 2008 Operating System: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Processor: Intel MacBook Pro 2.8GHZ Intel
Memory 4GB
Mac OS X 10.6.2

Since updating XL a while back, there are disturbing and annoying long waits to create even new blank sheets (2-3 seconds each time). Even entering number values into cells it takes 3-4 seconds once hitting the return key to get into the next cell. Same with applying even simple SUM functions. Interesting thing is that previously created .xls files are all OK. I now have to open an old XL document to gain anything like normal performance, whether .xls or .xlsx .... as long as created before I applied the recent updates. But as soon as I add another sheet .... Same again. Extremely frustrating. What to do?

[tjam...@officeformac.com]

PowerMac Dual 1.8GHz PPC G5
Memory 4.5 G
Mac OS X 10.5.8

I am seeing exactly the same thing. I would have to say that it seems to be getting worse over time, though I'm not sure about this. But 3-4 sec when entering a value. Sheet and table calculations that used to take a 1-2 minutes now take 10-20 minutes. I'm also seeing some similar slowdowns in Word - like it lags behind my typing, displays one character per second after I type. Doesn't always happen, but when it does, it is very annoying. Anyone have any ideas?

[tjam...@officeformac.com]

Just did a quick experiment and it seems that for the excel problem at least, it has to do with calculations. When I hit enter, it doesn't respond for a few seconds. If I hit enter twice, the "Calculate" message comes up on the bottom bar. I opened a new sheet and saw the same behaviour. But when I closed the sheet that has a bunch of formulas on it, the new sheet was responsive. So this all may boil down to SLOW CALCULATIONS. Makes sens with my larger sheets, too, that are taking way longer than before.

[tjam...@officeformac.com]

I reinstalled Office (as some other discussions had suggested) and that did not help at all. I also find scrolling and other formerly quick tasks to be really sluggish in both Excel and Word (haven't used the new PPT much yet). I am curious whether there are others suffering the same fate. I may have to go back to 2004 if I don't find a cure... :(

BTW, I really like some of the new functions in Excel 08 - especially the multiple criteria SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, as I can do with them, what used to take really complicated formulas and tables.

[Xin...@officeformac.com]

Hi Steven, could you please see whether this post can help resolve your performance slowdown:

XinXin, "Excel 2008 Slowness on Snow Leopard" #, 16 Nov 2009 11:40 pm">XinXin, "Excel 2008 Slowness on Snow Leopard" #, 16 Nov 2009 11:40 pm

Thanks,
XinXin Liu
Macintosh Business Unit, Microsoft

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

[Xin...@officeformac.com]

Oops...The link was messed up. Try this one:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976445

> Hi Steven, could you please see whether this post can help resolve your performance slowdown:
>
> XinXin, "Excel 2008 Slowness on Snow Leopard" #, 16 Nov 2009 11:40 pm
>

> Thanks,
> XinXin Liu
> Macintosh Business Unit, Microsoft
>
> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
>

[Steven...@officeformac.com]

Hi Xin Xin!

Great Xmas present. Thanks. It appears to work!

Steven