This is a problem with Excel.
Excel should have an option to accept exactly what you type.
I have requested microsoft to remove the automatic change when it sees 1-2,
1-2-3 etc
Others and I have the same problem in copying and pasting.
--
Vince


"Chip Pearson" wrote:

Format the cell(s) as Text prior to data entry, or precede the
data with a single apostrophe ('). The apostrophe will not show
in the cell, but will in the formula bar.


--
Cordially,
Chip Pearson
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Pearson Software Consulting, LLC
www.cpearson.com


"Heather" wrote in message
...
I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers
for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't
change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting
this?