I have an excel file generated by Quick Books. One column has 6 text digits
which is followed by a bunch of other characters. I want to work with the
first 6 character so I use the following procedure.
1 Add a Column after the column in question.
2. I title that column
3. Then I add a formula =LEFT(e2,6)

Problem the formulas doesn't copy the first 6 character but the cell had the
text =LEFT(e,6)

Now I go to the right most blank column and type in the formula =
LEFT($E2,6) That give me the left 6 most characters. If I copy and past
that cell into the cell that I tried it in the first place now I get the 6
left most characters. The copied formula acts like a formula instead of a
typed text.

Does anyone know why?

charles