Excel - connecting spreadsheet to ribbon part

[TryingToUnderstand]

I don't know how to explain this clearly, but I'll try.
Using Windows 7 - Microsoft Office 2007
I've used Excel for years, but all of a sudden this month, the 'spreadsheet' part isn't connected to the background that has the ribbon and all the top data on it. Now when I adjust the size, I have to adjust BOTH items. This is so frustrating.
I've studied what I can, but can't figure out what I must have done or what happened.
Can someone help? I hope so!

[Linux711]

I think it will be more clear if you post a screenshot of what you mean because I dont fully undertand the problem. If you dont know how, you just press the print screen key and then you can paste it into paint, save it and upload it.

[TryingToUnderstand]

Thanks for the reply. I have 4 pictures of this on my desktop, in .jpg, but I can't figure out how to upload them onto this post.
There's an img button up above this, but I don't understand . . .
Can you lead me?
Thanks

[soybean]

When you post a reply, click on the link below your message box, the link labeled "Additional Options".  There, you can navigate to the files on your hard drive and upload them.

[TryingToUnderstand]

Thanks, Soybean!
OK - I'm uploading 4 jpg pictures of my problem.
. . . .
Hmmmm -- I tried that but my total file size was too big, so I'll try uploading them 2 at a time.

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[TryingToUnderstand]

Here's my other two pictures of the problem.
I didn't have this problem until a few weeks ago.
Thanks for helping!

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[soybean]

If you look closely at the upper right corner of the sheet you have open, you'll see it has its own Minimize, Maximize/Restore Down, and Close buttons.  You just need to maximize that sheet within Excel. 

Likewise, you can maximize the whole Excel window by clicking the Maximize button in the upper right corner there.  Since you seem unfamiliar with these basic buttons found on practically all program windows when using a computer, this reference should be helpful: http://www.worldstart.com/minimize-maximize-and-close-buttons/

[TryingToUnderstand]

Oh, My Gosh!   Of Course!  So simple!  I should have figured that out by myself -- it's soooo basic!
Thanks ever so much for your help and sharing!