Here's the official MS support link:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/812385

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Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"T. Valko" wrote:

You can fix this with a registry tweak. If you are not familiar with changing
registry keys I would avoid doing this. If you make a mistake you can do
great damage to your computer!

In Excel 2002 you enter a string in a cell like: A1-1

Excel automatically formats this entry as an Arabic date.

This registry edit fixes this so it won't format as an Arabic date.

1. Quit all Microsoft Windows programs, including Microsoft Excel 2002.
2. Click Start, and then click Run.
3. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
4. Locate and then select the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\E xcel\Options
5. On the Edit menu, click New, and then click DWORD Value.
6. Type xl9_hijri, and then press ENTER.
7. On the Edit menu, click Modify.
8. Type 1, and then click OK.
9. On the Registry menu, click Exit.

Credit to Ron Rosenfeld for finding this.

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"Carla" wrote:

I have Office XP it I type A1-1 in a cell it changes the format to something
like Aribic and then the number 1. If you look fx line it show the date of
12/28/2008.