Formats

[Jan]

I have a database imported into excel. The zip code
displays as a 5 digit zip in the cell but as a 4 digit
entry on the formula bar when there is a leading zero. The
column has been formatted as a zip code. I use this in a
mail merge and the zip codes do not display the leading
zero in the address. Any ideas on how to fix this in XP
version 2002. It worked fine in version 2000.

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
one way: Use a helper column with the following formula
=TEXT(a1,"00000")
copy down for all rows and use this helper column in your mail merge

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

If you're using Word for the mail merge, after you select your Excel
file as a data source, you should see a 'Confirm Data Source' dialog box.
(If you don't see the dialog box, change the setting in Word --
under Tools>Options, General -- add a check mark to
'Confirm Conversion at Open')

From that list, choose 'MS Excel Worksheets via DDE (*.xls)', and your
formatting will be retained.

If you have to connect through a different source, you can format the
fields in the Word document. For example, to specify a number of decimals:

1. In Word, in the Main Document, press Alt+F9 to view the field codes.
2. Find the field code for the number. It will look something like:
{ MERGEFIELD FieldName }
3. Add a switch, to format the number. For example:
{ MERGEFIELD FieldName \# "000000" }
4. Press Alt+F9 to hide the field codes.
5. Save the Main Document