Unrecognized date format

I received a file that has dates listed as yyyymmdd and I can't get excel to recognize this format as a date so I can do date calculations on them.

Here is what I've tried:
Under "format cells -> number -> date" I tried a few different formats and just get "#######" back which is logical since they aren't serial numbers.

I also tried: "format cells -> number -> custom" input a new type of date format of yyyy/mm/dd and when I apply the new format to my column i just get "##########" back.

What am I missing? I have 190K rows so would rather not have to do a calculation to create the date but if that is the only way to do it I will....

Thoughts? Thanks!

A date is actually just a number, in fact, the day number starting with 01/01/1900. Today, 25/03/2011, is 40627.

So, taking a number like 20110325 and formatting it as a date will not work.

If you're getting a .csv file, you might be able to format it on the import.

Your best bet is to post a sample workbook and/or raw data file.

Regards

I have just tested it with a very small sample and it works for me.

Regards

Posts crossed ... but thanks for the update.

Regards