I tried putting in "this is top secret" in my header in xl2002.
I saved that workbook.
I started a new workbook and went into file|page setup|header/footer
That "this is top secret" didn't appear in the dropdown list to choose from.
It seemed to work that same way in xl2k, too.
Then I changed the custom header to something else (tttttt) and saved my
workbook. "this is top secret" didn't appear in the choices in that dropdown.
But I see your point with the document properties.
And I'll raise it (slightly). I remember xl97 as remembering these custom
headers differently. I _thought_ that they stayed with the pc--not with the
workbook. But they still didn't travel with the workbook.
(But it's been a long time and I've misunderstood questions before!)
<<I thought that they only travel if they're in use.>>