date format

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

hello, here's my dilemma

I'm trying to create a worksheet displaying statistical information, and when I enter any two numbers separated by a dash, they are automatically converted to the corresponding calendar date. for example, I want the cell to display 2-9, but it is changed to 9-Feb. now, when I go to Format - Cell and try to change the category to number, or general, the data in the cell is then converted to a Julian date. I'm using Excel 2002. I have been unable to find any pertinent info in any of the Excel and Office help sections. any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks very much.
 
Hitter

Try putting an apostrophe ' first.

Andy.

Hitter said:
hello, here's my dilemma.

I'm trying to create a worksheet displaying statistical information, and
Click to expand...
when I enter any two numbers separated by a dash, they are automatically
converted to the corresponding calendar date. for example, I want the cell
to display 2-9, but it is changed to 9-Feb. now, when I go to Format - Cell
and try to change the category to number, or general, the data in the cell
is then converted to a Julian date. I'm using Excel 2002. I have been
unable to find any pertinent info in any of the Excel and Office help
sections. any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks very much.
 
Once you have manually entered data into a cell, you
cannot change the actual contents (ie go from a date to
text) through formatting. In your case, add a prefix
of "'" to each entry or pre-format the cells as text prior
to data entry.

HTH
Jason
Atlanta, GA
-----Original Message-----
hello, here's my dilemma.

I'm trying to create a worksheet displaying statistical
Click to expand...
information, and when I enter any two numbers separated by
a dash, they are automatically converted to the
corresponding calendar date. for example, I want the cell
to display 2-9, but it is changed to 9-Feb. now, when I
go to Format - Cell and try to change the category to
number, or general, the data in the cell is then converted
to a Julian date. I'm using Excel 2002. I have been
unable to find any pertinent info in any of the Excel and
Office help sections. any help would be greatly
appreciated, thanks very much.
 
Or format the cell(s) as text BEFORE entering the data.
Note that "2-9" is a text string, not a number.
 
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