Okay, from a different angle:
I want to change folder formats for all folders and for all new tabs.
I thought the FAQs page HOW TO: Understand and Configure Folder Formats covered this.
I was under the impression that saving folder formats "For all folders" in Tools ->Folder Options and selecting "Replace all" [existing saved formats] would mean that this would apply to a new tab but maybe this is where I'm going wrong?
From the FAQs page:
[quote]Quick Guide
If you don't want to read this entire FAQ and just want to use a particular folder format for all folders, without it ever changing, then you only need to do these two things:[/quote]
I followed those two instructions there - and also checked the long list there of things that could cause this to not work (which is why you have gotten this glut of info - explaining all that). So basically I can change the folder formatting within a tab but not for a new tab.
This has been complicated by the fact that initially I thought my problem was just within saved listers (hence the thread title) but now I realise it is universal. Also I understand the problem clearer now myself - so hopefully this post will make more sense (?)
thanks, Tom