Is there a way when you open a text file to force it to prompt you for
the layout you want the columns to be instead of it just putting the
data in columns on it own?

If I select a text file to open, and right click on that file, and say
"open with" and choose excel, it automatically imports the text file
but determines the columns on its own.

On the other hand, if I open excel, and then choose the text file to
open, it then gives me the prompt and opportunity to format the data
in the columns by showing me some of the records and letting me select
the breaks.

I want it to give me that prompt whether I open excel and then choose
the text file to open, or whether I right click on the file and say
"open with excel".

Is there some setting in excel I need to look at, or is there some
macro I need to create???

thanks,
ga

George Applegate