Setting defaults opening .csv files

[MatGyver]

I have a .csv file that is download everyday from our automated credit
card processing vender. The credit card field is 16 digits. When I
open the file in Excel, I get a decimal number with an E+15 attached
to it.

For Example: 4.12345E+15

When I convert the cell to a number, I get sixteen digits, but on
every single cell in the column, the last number is changed to a 0. If
I look at the file in notepad, the 16 digits are correct, I can't
figure out how or why excel is converting that last digit to 0 on
every cell.

Now I've read the Excel only support 15 digit numbers. I don't need to
calculate these numbers in anyway. Is there some way to set Excel to
open .csv file in all text formatted cells so I can get the
information in correctly?

Thanks in advance!

 

[JE McGimpsey]

Record a macro of importing the file using the Data/Get External
Data/Import Text File... In the Text Import wizard, third pane, select
the credit card field and choose the Text radio button.

Post back if you need help with the macro.

 

[Dave Peterson]

And just to add to JE's response.

Rename that .csv file to .txt.

If you don't, then when you rerun that recorded code, excel will ignore your
settings.