the date serial number is probably coming in as text.
you can convert numeric text to numbers a number of ways (Format isn't one)
put 1 in a cell someplace, copy it select the text dates and paste special
multiply.
now format should work.
If it doesn't there may be spaces involved. I would use a helper column and
use
=value(trim(text date serial number))



"JD McLeod" wrote:

I have a query which is pulling data from another program. I am bringing in
account balances and the date of that balance. Somewhere in the process,
either how the other system stores the date or how Query imports, I am
getting the serial number of the date rather than the date format I am used
to seeing. How can I convert the serial number to a date format ie 12/31/04.
changing the format doesn't work. Thanks.