MAX(date1;date2) returns wrong answer

**cristinik** · 05-07-2013, 06:57 AM

Hi All,

I have this function in a certain cell C1, =MAX(A1;B1), the return value is "00.01.1900" which I assume is a "0" in the date format. A1,B1 and C1 have all the same format (Date) and the values of the inputs are:

A1= 30.10.2013
B1= 00.01.1900

Unless I am completly mistaken with the concept of MAXIMUM, I would say the output to that function should be "30.10.2013" and not "00.01.1900".

I cant figure out where the problem is. Please help!

Thanks

**AndyLitch** · 05-07-2013, 07:14 AM

You are of course correct..
1. Select the cells
2. Edit/Replace the . for /

You'll probably find that will work... If so you need to set the local date format for your computer

**cristinik** · 05-07-2013, 07:24 AM

Thanks a lot! It worked!

To which format should I set the date in my computer settings?

**Pepe Le Mokko** · 05-07-2013, 07:27 AM

AFAIK 00.01.1900 never was a date....

**AndyLitch** · 05-07-2013, 07:33 AM

If you are using full stops as separators in your date settings then you set that through the windows control panel..Local settings... Excel should pick it up ok from there.
If you have a mix of settings sometimes / sometimes . you'll need to find a workaround.Maybe a conversion UDF.