You don't have the date format selected
select the cell and press ctrl+shift+3
you may further refine by entering a custom format as recommended by adambush
i.e. select the cell
press ctrl+1
go to custom format in the end
type mm/dd or dd/mm to reflect the month or the day first, respectively.

Regards

"Renee805" wrote:

In Excel 2007 I need to have the date read as follows in several columns and
it keeps appearing as a five digit number instead!! Pls help!

Example: I need Jan 1 to read 01/01 in the column

Thanks!