Conditional formatting issues in XL 2010

[Sanmrxl]

While using conditional formatting in XL 2010, I am facing this problem.

( I am stating a simple similar scenario, which has the same issue occuring)

I wish to highlight a cell, if it is not a blank.

I have entered a simple conditional formula =$A13<>"" -- with a format color.

I now wish to copy and paste this format to each of the cells below.

On doing so ( Special Pasting only the format),
and on checking the conditional formula for the cell A14, it is correct - =$A14<>""

But for the cells A15 and A16 etc..I find that the formula does not change to =$A15<>"" or =$A16<>"" but is sticking to =$A14<>""

I have checked many different solutions advised, but nothing seems to work.
( And worst of all, some issues seem to point to this issue, but the solution given seems to work for them but not for me !!!)

I have also tried using the "Applies to" as suggested --BUT JUST NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK.

I realised that when I copy paste the first cell's conditional format to each cell individually,
then the formula gets copied correctly, but this is definitely NOT THE SOLUTION.

( I MISS XL 2003 so much-- WAS SO MUCH CLEAR BETTER AND DELIGHT TO USE !)

Hoping for relief at the earliest.

 

[Jonmo1]

When the $ is present, it locks either the row or column reference, depending if it placed before the row or column in the formula.
When the $ is NOT present, then the row or column reference is NOT locked.

All you have to do is look at the top/left address of the Applies To range.
The formula is shown as it would appear in that cell.

 

[Marcelo Branco]

That's the way Excel, by design, shows the CF rules when a rule is applied or copied to more than one cell at once - the formula refers always to the first cell (top left cell) in the range you can see in Applies to.

Like Jonmo, I also think it's very consistent and easy to understand, when one take in account the Formula AND the Applies to range.

M.