formatting codes.

[maacmaac]

How can I remove a formatting code for a column of numbers. I am trying to compare two spreadsheets.

File 1 format 123-45-6789
File 2 format '123-45-6789

I need to remove the formatting code to do a vlookup. I already tried To remove the codes, click Options on the Tools menu, click the Transition tab, and then clear the Transition navigation keys check box. This did not work.

Any comments are appreciated.

[Paul]

In any empty cell type the number 1. Copy this cell.

Select all of your cells that have the apostrophe in front of the text and then click Edit -> PasteSpecial -> Multiply.

That should do it.

[maacmaac]

That method works fine. How do I remove that character if I have a string of letters only or a combination of letters/numbers?

i.e.

Unformatted: 'YT7X32R

Desired result: YT7X32R

Thanks

[martindwilson]

find ' replace with nothing?