Excel won't let me bold words in a cell.. how do I fix this?

does this happen on every cell, in every spreadsheet?

if it's happening only in a few cells, the only thing I can think of is that there is a "conditional format" applied. Conditional formatting is a feature that let's you set the font/appearance of a cell based on certain conditions. If the condition is being met, trying to apply a format (bold) won't work, since the format is being changed to meet the condition of the cell.

To check, select the cell, then go to Format > Conditional Format (menu for Excel 2003) and see if there's a conditional format applied to the cell

If this cell is linked to another cell or spreadsheet, you might need to change that cell's formatting. If it is not a link, the simplest way to solve a corrupt cell would be to copy all your data on your spreadsheet (highlight all your data, not the entire spreadsheet itself using the tab at bottom) and paste your data onto a new spreadsheet and this should do it.

Most persons have given you good solutions, most effective some distance round. Simplest technique to widen a column to simply the correct amount bearing in intellect what's contained, get your mouse pointer onto the right border of the column handle (i.E. The A, B and many others), the mouse pointer turns to a gigantic black four pronged arrow, double click and the whole column adjusts mechanically. However, if you need a detailed width, right button on the column handle all the way down to width and put in what you need. The natural default is I suppose 8.75.

maximum folk have given you stable solutions, in ordinary terms a protracted way around. easiest thank you to widen a column to easily the superb volume pondering what's contained, get your mouse pointer onto the superb border of the column tackle (i.e. the A, B etc), the mouse pointer turns to an excellent black 4 pronged arrow, double click and the whole column adjusts promptly. in spite of the undeniable fact that, in case you like a particular width, suitable button on the column tackle all the way down to width and put in what you like. the conventional default is i think 8.seventy 5.