entering dates results in subtraction of numbers

[Deepak G]

In one of the worksheets in my workbook, when I enter date as 31-3-2008
(dd-mm-yyyy) i get result as -1980 instead of 31 March 2008. This happens
only in a particular sheet. How do I get it to display the date.

 

[Jarek Kujawa]

don't use "=" sign

format your cells appropriately

 

[Deepak G]

Thanks. However, this is not the problem. I am not entering the "=" sign. It
is automatically treating all cells where the text begins with a number as
formula.

 

[Deepak G]

Thanks, but doesn't solve the problem.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Make that change.

Then reenter your date to test.

 

[Deepak G]

Thanks Dave, I have tried that. It does not solve the problem. If this was
the problem, then it would have occurred on all sheets of the workbook and
not on only one sheet.

Let me redefine the problem. When I enter any text which starts with a
number like "3 blind mice", it assumes it to be a formula and gives an error
message stating formula not correct.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Try unchecking that
Tools|Options|Transition tab|transition formula entry

I don't think you were successful in your previous attempts.

 

[Deepak G]

Thanks Dave & David. It works.