A Stumper! Format Cell Changes don't take effect

[Guest]

Hello

I routinely download excel spreadsheets to update a database where I work.
Date information as downloaded requires change in format (for example I wish
to change "AUG 06, 1956" to "08/06/1956"). I usually highlight the column
containing the dates and change format category from "General" to "Date" and
select "3/14/1998" for type. After making these changes the data in the cells
do not reflect the change until I double click each and every cell containing
the dates in question. This can be a drawn out time waster when changing four
different date columns for hundreds of rows of data.

I am hoping there is a way to force Excel to make a change for all selected
cells in a single step. This is a problem using Excel 2000 and Excel 2003 (I
don't have access to a newer version). This problem occurs on a persistent
basis.

If someone is interested in looking at a small sample of the downloaded data
just email me at (e-mail address removed)

Thanks for any thoughts or help in this matter

 

[Guest]

I believe someone told me recently to use Data -> Text to Columns on the cell
and ensure it's formatted as a Date each column to clean it up.

HTH,
Barb Reinhardt

 

[Guest]

Thanks to Barb and John
Your suggestions have fixed my problem

Recap of your useful advice:
Highlight column
Use Data=> Text to Columns
Remove the Field Seperators
and Select Date MDY
Finish
It made the dates recognizable and easily formated within excel