date problem in excel
 

I have a problem that when I open a file, like text or csv file, the cell
with number dash number, ex. 10-5, will be automatically changed to date
format. But this really affect my data analysis. I know we could add ' before
typing or change cell format before typing, but how to cancel this autoformat
when opening another file??

Thanks

is not number (dash) number is not a number only a text.
in that case type '(single apostrophe)10-5


Wozniak wrote in message
...
I have a problem that when I open a file, like text or csv file, the cell
with number dash number, ex. 10-5, will be automatically changed to date
format. But this really affect my data analysis. I know we could add '
before
typing or change cell format before typing, but how to cancel this
autoformat
when opening another file??

Thanks

Perhaps one work-around ..

Try to force the file opening to go through the Text Import Wizard
(rename the file to have a .txt extension in explorer)

Click Next Next to proceed to step 3 of the wizard
In the Text Import Wizard's step 3:
Select the column(s) affected (in turn, one at a time) in the Data preview
pane, then check: "Text" under "Column data format", then click Finish

Columns checked "Text" will be preserved intact
--
Rgds
Max
xl 97
---
GMT+8, 1° 22' N 103° 45' E
xdemechanik
----
"Wozniak" wrote in message
...
I have a problem that when I open a file, like text or csv file, the cell
with number dash number, ex. 10-5, will be automatically changed to date
format. But this really affect my data analysis. I know we could add '
before
typing or change cell format before typing, but how to cancel this
autoformat
when opening another file??

Thanks

Try to force the file opening to go through the Text Import Wizard
(rename the file to have a .txt extension in explorer)

Then open the file from within Excel (via File Open, then select "Text
Files" in the "Files of type:" droplist)
--
Rgds
Max
xl 97
---
GMT+8, 1° 22' N 103° 45' E
xdemechanik
----

Thanks, it works. But still no way to change the excel setting?

"Max" wrote:

Try to force the file opening to go through the Text Import Wizard
(rename the file to have a .txt extension in explorer)

Then open the file from within Excel (via File Open, then select "Text
Files" in the "Files of type:" droplist)
--
Rgds
Max
xl 97
---
GMT+8, 1° 22' N 103° 45' E
xdemechanik
----

"Wozniak" wrote:
Thanks, it works.

You're welcome !

But still no way to change the excel setting?

From a browse through Google, don't think so ..
You may wish to read some of the posts at:
http://tinyurl.com/ey6vu

--
Rgds
Max
xl 97
---
GMT+8, 1° 22' N 103° 45' E
xdemechanik
----