Ron..This was the best solution seeing the string can get longer than 16
characters..
"Either format the cell as text BEFORE entering the number".

Thank you - Bob

"Ron Rosenfeld" wrote:

On Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:03:01 -0800, Bob Barnes
wrote:

11001981003213 is a serial number. I'm an Access Programmer running
automation to Excel. This long serial number, even when formatted as text on
the Auto_Open event, displays as scientific notation.

Is there an Excel setting to ensure it appears as text?

TIA - Bob

Either format the cell as text BEFORE entering the number; or precede the
number with a single quote (')

The single quote will not appear in the cell or on any printout (although you
will see it in the formula bar).
--ron