Change Default # of sheets inserted

I'm trying to change the count of worksheets inserted when inserting new worksheets in Excel, from 3 to 1. Here's what I've tried to make it happen:

In a new workbook, I went to Tools/Options/General and changed the "Sheets in New Workbook" from 3 to 1. I then saved the WB, reopened it, and inserted worksheets. It inserted 3 instead of the 1 I expected.

I then unhid my PERSONAL.XLS and changed the "Sheets in New Workbook" from 3 to 1, rehid PERSONAL.XLS, and saved the WB. I reopened the WB, inserted sheets, it still inserted 3 instead of the 1 I expect.

I closed the WB without saving, closed all instances of Excel, opened a new workbook. It opened with 3 sheets instead of the 1 I expected. I verified in Tools/Options/General that the "Sheets in New Workbook" was set to 1 , and PERSONAL.XLS was also set to 1.

What am I doing wrong? How can I get Excel to insert only 1 Worksheet when I insert worksheets? I've searched on the Web and didn't find any direction other than what I tried above. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.