Vlookup in Excel 2003

[Robin]

When using Vlookup function, it seems the two matching columns must be
formatted the same. I have columns of data that consist of both numeric &
alpha characters. I format the columns as text. Sometimes it works fine,
other times it still results in #NA. Even when I know the data I'm looking
for is there. Sometimes, I can 'double click' the cells individually and
have it correct. Help? Why does this happen? How can I be certain the the
#NA is an appropriate response. Thanks for some sanity.

 

[T. Valko]

See this:

http://contextures.com/xlFunctions02.html#Trouble

 

[Robin]

Thank you so much! This explains much.