Excel cells should take number format and/or optional text eg Dec.
 

I usually pre-set number formats and other limitations on forms to ensure
that I get the information that I need. Often, however, the date is vague and
requires text, e.g., Nov 2005 instead of 11/1/05, which is Excel's default if
you type in "Nov 2005." I can alleviate the issue on my own work, but my
forms need to remain locked when being used by others. My suggestion is that
an option be offered so a cell could take either/or text or number in the
case of dates.

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