date problem in excel

[Guest]

I have a problem that when I open a file, like text or csv file, the cell
with number dash number, ex. 10-5, will be automatically changed to date
format. But this really affect my data analysis. I know we could add ' before
typing or change cell format before typing, but how to cancel this autoformat
when opening another file??

Thanks

 

[R.VENKATARAMAN]

is not number (dash) number is not a number only a text.
in that case type '(single apostrophe)10-5

 

[Max]

Perhaps one work-around ..

Try to force the file opening to go through the Text Import Wizard
(rename the file to have a .txt extension in explorer)

Click Next > Next to proceed to step 3 of the wizard
In the Text Import Wizard's step 3:
Select the column(s) affected (in turn, one at a time) in the Data preview
pane, then check: "Text" under "Column data format", then click Finish

Columns checked "Text" will be preserved intact

 

[Max]

Try to force the file opening to go through the Text Import Wizard

(rename the file to have a .txt extension in explorer)

Then open the file from within Excel (via File > Open, then select "Text
Files" in the "Files of type:" droplist)

 

[Guest]

Thanks, it works. But still no way to change the excel setting?

 

[Max]

Thanks, it works.

You're welcome !

But still no way to change the excel setting?

From a browse through Google, don't think so ..
You may wish to read some of the posts at:
http://tinyurl.com/ey6vu