VLookup Data not pulling unless I physically retype the name?

I've been noticing a problem with the VLookup function.

I'm trying to pull data from another sheet inside the same workbook. When I provide the VLOOKUP formula, it only pulls the data correctly if I retype the name that I'm looking up inside the sheet I'm trying to pull from.

Once I physically retype John Doe over the previous John Doe it pulls the information correctly otherwise it just gives me the #N/A symbol. Anyone know why this is happening and is there a solution instead of having to type every name I'm trying to pull over again?

Thanks

Originally Posted by :) Sixthsense :)

Check whether it consist any extra spaces....

Yes it has a space before the name, but when I retype it with a space before the name it then pulls the data correctly.

Originally Posted by newdoverman

Use the TRIM function to "trim" spaces before and after the text. If the text is in A1 insert a helper column and enter =trim(A1) and copy down the column. Then copy and paste VALUES back into column A. Delete the helper column.

Thanks! That works great