Sorry, kevs, I forgot to mention that the unwanted system sound began with Catalina (but I can't be sure which dot version). As per joemike, it may have been corrected in 10.15.6.
Command-N opens a new Excel doc for me, but your other issues don't deal with anything I deal with. (The safe boot may have fixed your Excel issue by clearing a cache.)
The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.
In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
