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#1
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.misc
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Text to columns
Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each
line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 |
#2
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Text to columns
It depends on the data if it is put in one or multiple cells. Check some of
your older files to see if the same thing happens. It is possible the source of the lst file has changed and not excel. You can use the menu option Data - Import External Data - Import Data which will do the same thing as the Text to columns. "davehall" wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 |
#3
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Text to columns
The format of the data hasn't changed at all. We have checked some older
files that were fine at the time but aren't now, hence the assumption that something has been changed within Excel. We've also tried this on a number of PC's all with the same results. "Joel" wrote: It depends on the data if it is put in one or multiple cells. Check some of your older files to see if the same thing happens. It is possible the source of the lst file has changed and not excel. You can use the menu option Data - Import External Data - Import Data which will do the same thing as the Text to columns. "davehall" wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 |
#4
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Text to columns
How do you open this file?
Are you opening it in NotePad (or another text editor), then copy|pasting into excel? Then using Data|Text To Columns If that's what you're doing, then you're seeing a helpful (sometimes!) feature of excel. It remembers how you parsed the data the last time you used data|text to columns. You can force excel to forget this memory by closing excel and reopening it or you could do a "dummy" data|text to columns. Put a string (asdf) in an empty cell. data|text to columns|delimited|uncheck all the delimiters and then clean up that cell. ========= I've never seen excel not prompt the user with the text to columns wizard when they open a text file. (This doesn't apply to .csv files.) If I guessed wrong (and just haven't seen your situation), then there's another option. Open Excel File|Open Select your .lst file But hold the shift key when you click the Open button. You won't see the text to columns wizard and everything should go into column A. davehall wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 -- Dave Peterson |
#5
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.misc
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Text to columns
Hi Dave,
I have run into this sort of behaviour with Text to Columns before, and I am sure it is part of the Excel being helpful syndrome. I don't actually understand the why's and how's of how it works but the cause is most likely someone saving this behaviour to your default template, or something along similar lines. Try opening a virgin file and see what happens there. HTH Martin "davehall" wrote in message ... Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 |
#6
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.misc
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Text to columns
Hi Martin
I'm convinced that this is a Microsoft Office update "feature" as I've tried opening many different files on many different PC's and have seen the same behaviour each time! We can work around the problem but it is a bit infuriating that something has apparently changed because MS thought it a good idea! Thanks Dave "MartinW" wrote: Hi Dave, I have run into this sort of behaviour with Text to Columns before, and I am sure it is part of the Excel being helpful syndrome. I don't actually understand the why's and how's of how it works but the cause is most likely someone saving this behaviour to your default template, or something along similar lines. Try opening a virgin file and see what happens there. HTH Martin "davehall" wrote in message ... Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 |
#7
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Text to columns
Hi Dave
We open by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Open with..". I can open in Notepad and cut and paste in to Excel and it's fine but it makes it a bit long-winded and is a step back from what we could do before. Tried your suggestion to make Excel "forget", but it makes no difference. Regards Dave "Dave Peterson" wrote: How do you open this file? Are you opening it in NotePad (or another text editor), then copy|pasting into excel? Then using Data|Text To Columns If that's what you're doing, then you're seeing a helpful (sometimes!) feature of excel. It remembers how you parsed the data the last time you used data|text to columns. You can force excel to forget this memory by closing excel and reopening it or you could do a "dummy" data|text to columns. Put a string (asdf) in an empty cell. data|text to columns|delimited|uncheck all the delimiters and then clean up that cell. ========= I've never seen excel not prompt the user with the text to columns wizard when they open a text file. (This doesn't apply to .csv files.) If I guessed wrong (and just haven't seen your situation), then there's another option. Open Excel File|Open Select your .lst file But hold the shift key when you click the Open button. You won't see the text to columns wizard and everything should go into column A. davehall wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 -- Dave Peterson |
#8
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Text to columns
And if you open excel and use File|Open, what happens?
davehall wrote: Hi Dave We open by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Open with..". I can open in Notepad and cut and paste in to Excel and it's fine but it makes it a bit long-winded and is a step back from what we could do before. Tried your suggestion to make Excel "forget", but it makes no difference. Regards Dave "Dave Peterson" wrote: How do you open this file? Are you opening it in NotePad (or another text editor), then copy|pasting into excel? Then using Data|Text To Columns If that's what you're doing, then you're seeing a helpful (sometimes!) feature of excel. It remembers how you parsed the data the last time you used data|text to columns. You can force excel to forget this memory by closing excel and reopening it or you could do a "dummy" data|text to columns. Put a string (asdf) in an empty cell. data|text to columns|delimited|uncheck all the delimiters and then clean up that cell. ========= I've never seen excel not prompt the user with the text to columns wizard when they open a text file. (This doesn't apply to .csv files.) If I guessed wrong (and just haven't seen your situation), then there's another option. Open Excel File|Open Select your .lst file But hold the shift key when you click the Open button. You won't see the text to columns wizard and everything should go into column A. davehall wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson |
#9
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.misc
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Text to columns
The import wizard starts, I choose fixed width and the column markers Excel
decided to apply match those that apply if I just open the file using right-click etc. "Dave Peterson" wrote: And if you open excel and use File|Open, what happens? davehall wrote: Hi Dave We open by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Open with..". I can open in Notepad and cut and paste in to Excel and it's fine but it makes it a bit long-winded and is a step back from what we could do before. Tried your suggestion to make Excel "forget", but it makes no difference. Regards Dave "Dave Peterson" wrote: How do you open this file? Are you opening it in NotePad (or another text editor), then copy|pasting into excel? Then using Data|Text To Columns If that's what you're doing, then you're seeing a helpful (sometimes!) feature of excel. It remembers how you parsed the data the last time you used data|text to columns. You can force excel to forget this memory by closing excel and reopening it or you could do a "dummy" data|text to columns. Put a string (asdf) in an empty cell. data|text to columns|delimited|uncheck all the delimiters and then clean up that cell. ========= I've never seen excel not prompt the user with the text to columns wizard when they open a text file. (This doesn't apply to .csv files.) If I guessed wrong (and just haven't seen your situation), then there's another option. Open Excel File|Open Select your .lst file But hold the shift key when you click the Open button. You won't see the text to columns wizard and everything should go into column A. davehall wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson |
#10
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.misc
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Text to columns
And if you use File|Open and shift-click on the Open button?
davehall wrote: The import wizard starts, I choose fixed width and the column markers Excel decided to apply match those that apply if I just open the file using right-click etc. "Dave Peterson" wrote: And if you open excel and use File|Open, what happens? davehall wrote: Hi Dave We open by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Open with..". I can open in Notepad and cut and paste in to Excel and it's fine but it makes it a bit long-winded and is a step back from what we could do before. Tried your suggestion to make Excel "forget", but it makes no difference. Regards Dave "Dave Peterson" wrote: How do you open this file? Are you opening it in NotePad (or another text editor), then copy|pasting into excel? Then using Data|Text To Columns If that's what you're doing, then you're seeing a helpful (sometimes!) feature of excel. It remembers how you parsed the data the last time you used data|text to columns. You can force excel to forget this memory by closing excel and reopening it or you could do a "dummy" data|text to columns. Put a string (asdf) in an empty cell. data|text to columns|delimited|uncheck all the delimiters and then clean up that cell. ========= I've never seen excel not prompt the user with the text to columns wizard when they open a text file. (This doesn't apply to .csv files.) If I guessed wrong (and just haven't seen your situation), then there's another option. Open Excel File|Open Select your .lst file But hold the shift key when you click the Open button. You won't see the text to columns wizard and everything should go into column A. davehall wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson |
#11
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Text to columns
Ah, that does the job. Opens without starting the wizard and puts everything
in to the first column. Still doesn't answer why we can't do what we used to do though! "Dave Peterson" wrote: And if you use File|Open and shift-click on the Open button? davehall wrote: The import wizard starts, I choose fixed width and the column markers Excel decided to apply match those that apply if I just open the file using right-click etc. "Dave Peterson" wrote: And if you open excel and use File|Open, what happens? davehall wrote: Hi Dave We open by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Open with..". I can open in Notepad and cut and paste in to Excel and it's fine but it makes it a bit long-winded and is a step back from what we could do before. Tried your suggestion to make Excel "forget", but it makes no difference. Regards Dave "Dave Peterson" wrote: How do you open this file? Are you opening it in NotePad (or another text editor), then copy|pasting into excel? Then using Data|Text To Columns If that's what you're doing, then you're seeing a helpful (sometimes!) feature of excel. It remembers how you parsed the data the last time you used data|text to columns. You can force excel to forget this memory by closing excel and reopening it or you could do a "dummy" data|text to columns. Put a string (asdf) in an empty cell. data|text to columns|delimited|uncheck all the delimiters and then clean up that cell. ========= I've never seen excel not prompt the user with the text to columns wizard when they open a text file. (This doesn't apply to .csv files.) If I guessed wrong (and just haven't seen your situation), then there's another option. Open Excel File|Open Select your .lst file But hold the shift key when you click the Open button. You won't see the text to columns wizard and everything should go into column A. davehall wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson |
#12
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Text to columns
I don't have a guess for that. But I rarely use "Open With" to open text files
in excel. davehall wrote: Ah, that does the job. Opens without starting the wizard and puts everything in to the first column. Still doesn't answer why we can't do what we used to do though! "Dave Peterson" wrote: And if you use File|Open and shift-click on the Open button? davehall wrote: The import wizard starts, I choose fixed width and the column markers Excel decided to apply match those that apply if I just open the file using right-click etc. "Dave Peterson" wrote: And if you open excel and use File|Open, what happens? davehall wrote: Hi Dave We open by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Open with..". I can open in Notepad and cut and paste in to Excel and it's fine but it makes it a bit long-winded and is a step back from what we could do before. Tried your suggestion to make Excel "forget", but it makes no difference. Regards Dave "Dave Peterson" wrote: How do you open this file? Are you opening it in NotePad (or another text editor), then copy|pasting into excel? Then using Data|Text To Columns If that's what you're doing, then you're seeing a helpful (sometimes!) feature of excel. It remembers how you parsed the data the last time you used data|text to columns. You can force excel to forget this memory by closing excel and reopening it or you could do a "dummy" data|text to columns. Put a string (asdf) in an empty cell. data|text to columns|delimited|uncheck all the delimiters and then clean up that cell. ========= I've never seen excel not prompt the user with the text to columns wizard when they open a text file. (This doesn't apply to .csv files.) If I guessed wrong (and just haven't seen your situation), then there's another option. Open Excel File|Open Select your .lst file But hold the shift key when you click the Open button. You won't see the text to columns wizard and everything should go into column A. davehall wrote: Hi, Daily we open a .lst file, which is a text file, which used to put each line of data in to the first cell in a row. We then used the Text to Columns feature to split in to individual cells. Within the last week, when we open the file it splits in to individual cells automatically but doesn't split as requried. I can only assume that a recent Excel update has introduced this and wonder if anybody knows how to disable this "feature". Dave - 17/3/2008 -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson -- Dave Peterson |
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