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Leading Zeros lost in csv format

  1. #1
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    Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    I have an excel spreadsheet with numbers and the format has to show zeroes at the beginning (e.g. 0011111) It is always going to be a seven digit number. I can format the cells to show the numbers with the leading zeros, but as soon as I save the file as a csv, the leading zeros are lost.

    Does anyone know how to the zeros can be retained when the file is saved in csv format?

    Any help would be appreciated.
    Last edited by Scotsman89; 06-10-2009 at 06:26 AM.

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    That is a shame, so does that mean it cannot be done?

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    try saving it as text the formating will be preserved.
    then reopen with excel making sure you use delimited and each field is set to text
    resave as csv
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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    when you open it the wizard lets you choose delimited
    click next
    make sure only tab is selected
    click next
    hold shift select all fields and check the text box under "column data format"
    click finish

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    Sorry if it is a stupid question but what do you mean

    "when you open it the wizard lets you choose delimited"

    How do I get this wizard?

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    once saved as something .text close it
    open excel then use file /open navigate to correct folder change the file types drop down to text files
    locate something.txt
    click open
    the text import wizard will then open.
    Last edited by martindwilson; 06-09-2009 at 09:27 AM.

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    Thanks a lot.
    It has worked, however, it now inports all the data into collum A (whereas before it was split equally in the relevant collums).
    Any way we can keep the zeros without affecting the formatting?

  8. #8
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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    cant tell without an example!

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    I have attached an example.

    So I want to save this as a csv file, however, when i do this with your instructions all the data goes into collum A.
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    see attached
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    Fantastic, it works! Thanks a lot for your help!!

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    for me it's not working, you're right that "txt" preserves the Leading Zeros but not "CSV" I'm looking how to preserve the Leading Zeros in "CSV" format

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    open it with a text editor like notepad not excel you should see the 0's

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    Yes you're right, Thank you

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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    Yes, the zero is there but the excel still not showing zero for csv file.
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    Re: Leading Zeros lost in csv format

    this is an old thread

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