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Changing the cell format doesn't change existing cell content
When I import data into Excel 2003, the numbers need to be reformatted so
that they can be calculated. But when I highlight the range and reformat it to a number format, it doesn't register the change. I have to click inside the cell contents (hit F2) for it to 'accept' the new format. This complicates things when there is a lot of data. Any ideas? Thanks for any help. |
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#2
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Changing the cell format doesn't change existing cell content
This could make things faster for you. After importing the data, choose
another cell that is formatted as General or a number and enter 1 (the number one). Select the cell with the 1 in it and use Edit -- Copy (or [Ctrl]+[C]) and then select all of the cells you imported that need reformatting and use Edit -- Paste Special and choose two options in the dialog: 'Values' and in the lower area choose 'Multiply'. That should get all numbers that were displayed as text to convert to real numbers. Hope that helps. "Kate" wrote: When I import data into Excel 2003, the numbers need to be reformatted so that they can be calculated. But when I highlight the range and reformat it to a number format, it doesn't register the change. I have to click inside the cell contents (hit F2) for it to 'accept' the new format. This complicates things when there is a lot of data. Any ideas? Thanks for any help. |
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#3
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Changing the cell format doesn't change existing cell content
Your numbers aren't numbers. They are text. When you Click inside and then
leave the cell XL is doing an imlicit conversion for you from Text to number. If your error checking is turned on then you will have a green triangle in the upper left corner of the cell. One of the options is convert to number. Highlight the cells and make the conversion. To turn Error checking on Tools | Options | Error Checking Tab - check Background Error Checking -- HTH... Jim Thomlinson "Kate" wrote: When I import data into Excel 2003, the numbers need to be reformatted so that they can be calculated. But when I highlight the range and reformat it to a number format, it doesn't register the change. I have to click inside the cell contents (hit F2) for it to 'accept' the new format. This complicates things when there is a lot of data. Any ideas? Thanks for any help. |
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