change format of existing numbers

[mari]

I have a worksheet with thousands of phone numbers on it,
but not formatted as phone numbers. If I change the
existing numbers' cell format to a custom ###-###-####
format, it won't format the numbers this way unless I
double click in each cell (cell content edit mode) and
press enter.

Unlike regular number formats, it seems as though excel
won't convert existing data to my custom format unless:
-Cell is formatted and THEN number is entered
-If cell has existing number, I must click INTO the cell
(editing mode)

Please help!


much thanks

mari

 

[mari]

Let me add to my question:

The custom format DOES work for existing numbers that I
have typed in myself. Where it goes wrong is when I try
to custom format existing numbers that were PASTED INTO a
column.

mari

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
try the following
- enter 1 in an empy cell
- copy this cell (CTRL+C)
- now select your cells which have to be formated
- goto 'Edit - Paste Special' and choose 'Multiply' as action

 

[Guest]

Thank you Frank. Any other suggestions?

-----Original Message-----
Hi
try the following
- enter 1 in an empy cell
- copy this cell (CTRL+C)
- now select your cells which have to be formated
- goto 'Edit - Paste Special' and choose 'Multiply' as action

--
Regards
Frank Kabel
Frankfurt, Germany

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