I am assigned to use an excel template from the federal government; the 
proofing option to check spelling is not operating (it shows up as a grey 
image). Can the spell check option be turned on to be able to use it?

Sounds like the worksheet is protected; that will disable Spelling
Not sure of the logic in this - I speak as a terrible speller.
best wishes
-- 
Bernard Liengme
Microsoft Excel MVP
http://people.stfx.ca/bliengme

"Shawn" <Shawn@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message 
news:AA61E149-5B23-4B41-9A93-0C6BEEC99B14@microsoft.com...
> I am assigned to use an excel template from the federal government; the
> proofing option to check spelling is not operating (it shows up as a grey
> image). Can the spell check option be turned on to be able to use it?