I have a persistent problem with a students using Excel in on-campus labs,
and occasionally it occurs on students' own computers.

The issue arises around setting the format of cells to the format where
minus numbers display with (234) instead of -234

In a lab of 34 students, typically around 30 of them will be able to achieve
this by either clicking on the formatting $ or , (comma) number format
shortcut, or by setting the format to Accounting or Currency on the Format
dialog box.

However, for a few students, there are no formats that include the ( ) for
minus numbers. Changing the language does not work for these students. It is
possible to type in a long custom format by copying the custom format from
another student's excel, but that's the only thing that succeeds.

If the student having the problem logs onto another computer, the problem
will persist. If another student logs onto the computer, there will be no
problem for that student

Here is what you do. Highlight all of the cells with the ( ). Go to the
Format menu at the top -- Cells. Under category, choose what type it is
(currency, number, etc.). On the right side towards the bottom there is a box
that will let you select the format of your negative numbers.

"Brent Lee" wrote:

I have a persistent problem with a students using Excel in on-campus labs,
and occasionally it occurs on students' own computers.

The issue arises around setting the format of cells to the format where
minus numbers display with (234) instead of -234

In a lab of 34 students, typically around 30 of them will be able to achieve
this by either clicking on the formatting $ or , (comma) number format
shortcut, or by setting the format to Accounting or Currency on the Format
dialog box.

However, for a few students, there are no formats that include the ( ) for
minus numbers. Changing the language does not work for these students. It is
possible to type in a long custom format by copying the custom format from
another student's excel, but that's the only thing that succeeds.

If the student having the problem logs onto another computer, the problem
will persist. If another student logs onto the computer, there will be no
problem for that student

Thanks!

This is however a document by document solution. This happens with any new
documents. Surely there is a fix so that all future New documents do not
require this step.

Cheers,

Brent.

"dleo" wrote:


Here is what you do. Highlight all of the cells with the ( ). Go to the
Format menu at the top -- Cells. Under category, choose what type it is
(currency, number, etc.). On the right side towards the bottom there is a box
that will let you select the format of your negative numbers.

"Brent Lee" wrote:

I have a persistent problem with a students using Excel in on-campus labs,
and occasionally it occurs on students' own computers.

The issue arises around setting the format of cells to the format where
minus numbers display with (234) instead of -234

In a lab of 34 students, typically around 30 of them will be able to achieve
this by either clicking on the formatting $ or , (comma) number format
shortcut, or by setting the format to Accounting or Currency on the Format
dialog box.

However, for a few students, there are no formats that include the ( ) for
minus numbers. Changing the language does not work for these students. It is
possible to type in a long custom format by copying the custom format from
another student's excel, but that's the only thing that succeeds.

If the student having the problem logs onto another computer, the problem
will persist. If another student logs onto the computer, there will be no
problem for that student

It may be that each student has their own user profile.
So when each one logs in the regional and language settings are changed accordingly.
Also, there are country options in the Format | Cells dialog box that
you were directed to. The country option is shown for Accounting,
Currency, Date, Time and Special.
--
Jim Cone
Portland, Oregon USA



"Brent Lee"

wrote in message
Thanks!
This is however a document by document solution.
This happens with any new documents.
Surely there is a fix so that all future New documents do not
require this step.
Cheers,
Brent.



"dleo" wrote:
Here is what you do. Highlight all of the cells with the ( ). Go to the
Format menu at the top -- Cells. Under category, choose what type it is
(currency, number, etc.). On the right side towards the bottom there is a box
that will let you select the format of your negative numbers.
nt