Hello

I routinely download excel spreadsheets to update a database where I work.
Date information as downloaded requires change in format (for example I wish
to change "AUG 06, 1956" to "08/06/1956"). I usually highlight the column
containing the dates and change format category from "General" to "Date" and
select "3/14/1998" for type. After making these changes the data in the cells
do not reflect the change until I double click each and every cell containing
the dates in question. This can be a drawn out time waster when changing four
different date columns for hundreds of rows of data.

I am hoping there is a way to force Excel to make a change for all selected
cells in a single step. This is a problem using Excel 2000 and Excel 2003 (I
don't have access to a newer version). This problem occurs on a persistent
basis.

If someone is interested in looking at a small sample of the downloaded data
just email me at

Thanks for any thoughts or help in this matter

I believe someone told me recently to use Data - Text to Columns on the cell
and ensure it's formatted as a Date each column to clean it up.

HTH,
Barb Reinhardt

"Craterdude" wrote:

Hello

I routinely download excel spreadsheets to update a database where I work.
Date information as downloaded requires change in format (for example I wish
to change "AUG 06, 1956" to "08/06/1956"). I usually highlight the column
containing the dates and change format category from "General" to "Date" and
select "3/14/1998" for type. After making these changes the data in the cells
do not reflect the change until I double click each and every cell containing
the dates in question. This can be a drawn out time waster when changing four
different date columns for hundreds of rows of data.

I am hoping there is a way to force Excel to make a change for all selected
cells in a single step. This is a problem using Excel 2000 and Excel 2003 (I
don't have access to a newer version). This problem occurs on a persistent
basis.

If someone is interested in looking at a small sample of the downloaded data
just email me at

Thanks for any thoughts or help in this matter

Thanks to Barb and John
Your suggestions have fixed my problem

Recap of your useful advice:
Highlight column
Use Data= Text to Columns
Remove the Field Seperators
and Select Date MDY
Finish
It made the dates recognizable and easily formated within excel

"Barb Reinhardt" wrote:

I believe someone told me recently to use Data - Text to Columns on the cell
and ensure it's formatted as a Date each column to clean it up.

HTH,
Barb Reinhardt

"Craterdude" wrote:

Hello

I routinely download excel spreadsheets to update a database where I work.
Date information as downloaded requires change in format (for example I wish
to change "AUG 06, 1956" to "08/06/1956"). I usually highlight the column
containing the dates and change format category from "General" to "Date" and
select "3/14/1998" for type. After making these changes the data in the cells
do not reflect the change until I double click each and every cell containing
the dates in question. This can be a drawn out time waster when changing four
different date columns for hundreds of rows of data.

I am hoping there is a way to force Excel to make a change for all selected
cells in a single step. This is a problem using Excel 2000 and Excel 2003 (I
don't have access to a newer version). This problem occurs on a persistent
basis.

If someone is interested in looking at a small sample of the downloaded data
just email me at

Thanks for any thoughts or help in this matter