I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting this?

Format the cell(s) as Text prior to data entry, or precede the
data with a single apostrophe ('). The apostrophe will not show
in the cell, but will in the formula bar.


--
Cordially,
Chip Pearson
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Pearson Software Consulting, LLC
www.cpearson.com


"Heather" wrote in message
...
I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers
for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't
change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting
this?

Either put a ' before the first entry or format the cells as text.

"Heather" wrote:

I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting this?

Try this:

Format those cells to be text, not numbers:

<Format<Cells<Number tab
Category: Text

Does that help?

***********
Regards,
Ron

XL2002, WinXP-Pro


"Heather" wrote:

I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting this?

This is a problem with Excel.
Excel should have an option to accept exactly what you type.
I have requested microsoft to remove the automatic change when it sees 1-2,
1-2-3 etc
Others and I have the same problem in copying and pasting.
--
Vince


"Chip Pearson" wrote:

Format the cell(s) as Text prior to data entry, or precede the
data with a single apostrophe ('). The apostrophe will not show
in the cell, but will in the formula bar.


--
Cordially,
Chip Pearson
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Pearson Software Consulting, LLC
www.cpearson.com


"Heather" wrote in message
...
I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers
for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't
change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting
this?

This is a problem with Excel.
Excel should have an option to accept exactly what you type.
I have requested microsoft to remove the automatic change when it sees 1-2,
1-2-3 etc
Others and I have the same problem in copying and pasting.
--
Vince


"Chip Pearson" wrote:

Format the cell(s) as Text prior to data entry, or precede the
data with a single apostrophe ('). The apostrophe will not show
in the cell, but will in the formula bar.


--
Cordially,
Chip Pearson
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Pearson Software Consulting, LLC
www.cpearson.com


"Heather" wrote in message
...
I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers
for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't
change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting
this?

Heather

I have the same problem with copying and pasting several columns some of
which have are of the type you describe. The data can't be changed by
including an ' because it is copied data. I have tried every type of
preformat and I have tried Paste and Special Paste but nothing works.

I have requested microsoft to change Excel so that automatic changes of this
type can be switched off. I suggest you complain to microsoft or back up my
request for change.

--
Vince


"Heather" wrote:

I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting this?

"Vince" wrote in message
...
"Heather" wrote:

I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't change
the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting this?

I have the same problem with copying and pasting several columns some of
which have are of the type you describe. The data can't be changed by
including an ' because it is copied data. I have tried every type of
preformat and I have tried Paste and Special Paste but nothing works.

I have requested microsoft to change Excel so that automatic changes of
this
type can be switched off. I suggest you complain to microsoft or back up
my
request for change.

As others have answered, format the cells as text before you enter the data.
--
David Biddulph

Heather

find "option to prevent Excel changing 1-2-3 to a date" and agree with the
suggestion.
--
Vince


"Heather" wrote:

I am trying to enter data into a cell using - between numbers for example
1-30-4400, excel is converting this number into a date, I can't change the
way I enter this data, how can I make excel stop converting this?