can you format a cell so that formulas will be turned off

[Brian]

I have a workbook that has several worksheets init that are alike. They
populate averages for grades. But there are comment blocks for input from the
evaluators. Some evaluators like to make their comments in bullets and use
"=" or "-" which turns on a green light for the formula to start trying to
figure out the formula and causing a big mess. Is there a way to format
certain cells to not allow formula?
Thanks

 

[RobN]

Brian,

You can format all those cells as text by selecting all those cells and
going to Home>Format>Format Cells>Number and select Text.
Then go to Excel Options and, in the Formulas section, untick "Numbers
formatted as text...."; to turn off the green error indicator.

Rob

 

[Brian]

When I change to cell's format to text it changes everything I typed in to
###############. I cleared it out and typed in again. I can only get about
one sentence bofore it turns to ########### but there is plenty of space and
word wrap is on

 

[RobN]

Brian,

Please send the complete contents of that cell to produce the #. Did you
start it with an = or a - sign?

Rob

 

[Brian]

Posted local security which was required for this mission. Once fire team was
across the river, he ensured security on the new side of the river was posted
with fields of fire in the direction from which the enemy was supposed to be
coming before he relieved the rear security. Maintained complete control over
the situation. Displayed a high level of confidence in his abilities and took
an authoritative stance.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Format the cell as General, but start the entry with an apostrophe:
'=============
or
'----------

Excel has trouble displaying values in cells formatted as text when the length
of the string is between 255 and 1024 characters.

But you have to force the entry to be treated as text if you start with a
character that looks like you're entering a formula.

 

[Gord Dibben]

Brian

Excel has a problem with cells formatted as Text when the number of characters
in the cell is between 255 and 1024.

Change the format to General to get rid of the #########

Train your users to not enter an = sign as a bullet.

Get them to enter a real bullet using Alt + 0149(on the numpad)

Or maybe Data>Validation>Allow>Custom

=A1<>"=" wil prevent entering something like =qwerty or just = sign.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP