There's information in the following MSKB article that may help you:

XL2002: Cells Automatically Format with Hijri Date Format When You Type
"a-" Before a Number
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?id=812385

Anthony wrote:
Hi,
If you enter a26-02 into a cell, it changes to some arabic text. Any ideas
how to fix this?
google does not know the answer :(

Thanks


--
Debra Dalgleish
Excel FAQ, Tips & Book List
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html