We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.
However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to numbers is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other method of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to work. Any
ideas?

Copy an empty cell, select the import and paste special and select add

--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom


"Alden" wrote in message
...
We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.
However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to numbers
is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other method
of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to work.
Any
ideas?

Simple, elegant solution. Thanks for the help! You've saved me from carpal
tunnel syndrome.

Alden

"Peo Sjoblom" wrote:

Copy an empty cell, select the import and paste special and select add

--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom


"Alden" wrote in message
...
We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.
However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to numbers
is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other method
of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to work.
Any
ideas?

Hi Peo, (pls excuse me.. ) I dont understand your "import"?? ... the rest of
your solution is more or less the same as "Help" offers (add instead of
multiply etc.), but it doesn't work for me... and I won't use an add'in.. as
I don't know how that will work. I do mail you directly too..
Bregards Jonna

"Peo Sjoblom" wrote:

Copy an empty cell, select the import and paste special and select add

--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom


"Alden" wrote in message
...
We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.
However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to numbers
is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other method
of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to work.
Any
ideas?

jonna

Try this(same as Peo's but with more detail).

Assume your range of cells that contain the exported data is A1:A10

Format these cells as General.

Format an empty cell as General.

EditCopy that empty cell.

Select A1:A10.

EditPaste Special(in place)AddOKEsc.


Gord Dibben Excel MVP


On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 03:49:02 -0800, "
wrote:

Hi Peo, (pls excuse me.. ) I dont understand your "import"?? ... the rest of
your solution is more or less the same as "Help" offers (add instead of
multiply etc.), but it doesn't work for me... and I won't use an add'in.. as
I don't know how that will work. I do mail you directly too..
Bregards Jonna

"Peo Sjoblom" wrote:

Copy an empty cell, select the import and paste special and select add

--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom


"Alden" wrote in message
...
We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.
However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to numbers
is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other method
of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to work.
Any
ideas?

thanks, but the real problem was that the "numbers" had an empty space in
front. I did find out and have used functions "Left" and "Right" .. with
sucess...
br
Jonna

"Gord Dibben" wrote:

jonna

Try this(same as Peo's but with more detail).

Assume your range of cells that contain the exported data is A1:A10

Format these cells as General.

Format an empty cell as General.

EditCopy that empty cell.

Select A1:A10.

EditPaste Special(in place)AddOKEsc.


Gord Dibben Excel MVP


On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 03:49:02 -0800, "
wrote:

Hi Peo, (pls excuse me.. ) I dont understand your "import"?? ... the rest of
your solution is more or less the same as "Help" offers (add instead of
multiply etc.), but it doesn't work for me... and I won't use an add'in.. as
I don't know how that will work. I do mail you directly too..
Bregards Jonna

"Peo Sjoblom" wrote:

Copy an empty cell, select the import and paste special and select add

--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom


"Alden" wrote in message
...
We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.
However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to numbers
is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other method
of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to work.
Any
ideas?

Thanks for the feedback Jonna.

That was my next suggestion, but no need now.

But, I am surprised that a simple F2 and ENTER would work if there are spaces.


Gord

On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 11:41:06 -0800, "
wrote:

thanks, but the real problem was that the "numbers" had an empty space in
front. I did find out and have used functions "Left" and "Right" .. with
sucess...
br
Jonna

"Gord Dibben" wrote:

jonna

Try this(same as Peo's but with more detail).

Assume your range of cells that contain the exported data is A1:A10

Format these cells as General.

Format an empty cell as General.

EditCopy that empty cell.

Select A1:A10.

EditPaste Special(in place)AddOKEsc.


Gord Dibben Excel MVP


On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 03:49:02 -0800, "
wrote:

Hi Peo, (pls excuse me.. ) I dont understand your "import"?? ... the rest of
your solution is more or less the same as "Help" offers (add instead of
multiply etc.), but it doesn't work for me... and I won't use an add'in.. as
I don't know how that will work. I do mail you directly too..
Bregards Jonna

"Peo Sjoblom" wrote:

Copy an empty cell, select the import and paste special and select add

--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom


"Alden" wrote in message
...
We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.
However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to numbers
is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other method
of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to work.
Any
ideas?

Depending on the version of Excel, you should get a
caution sign next to the cell when you highlight a number
stored as text.
When you put your cursor over the caution sign, it gives
you the option to convert the number stored as text to a
number.

If highlight a range that has a number stored as text at
the upper left, the convert will work for the whole range,
but you might have to scroll back to the upper left of the
range to see the caution sign

-----Original Message-----
We have a software package from which we can export data
to MS Excel.
However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even
though they are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert
them text to numbers is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried
every other method of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing
seems to work. Any
ideas?
.

Alden wrote:
We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.

However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they
are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to
numbers is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other
method of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to
work. Any
ideas?

Have a look he
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...6d88671983a8e3

Alden wrote:
We have a software package from which we can export data to MS Excel.

However, when exported it arrives in Excel as text. Even though they
are
numbers, they act like text. The only way to convert them text to
numbers is
to edit the cell (press F2) and hit enter. I've tried every other
method of
copying and pasting (even pasting special), but nothing seems to
work. Any
ideas?

I use ASAP Utilities add in. One of its many features will change text
numbers to numbers in a range (or do the reverse). Go here...
http://www.asaputilities.com/