Cell Format

**Onestopfanshop** · 07-14-2009, 01:10 PM

I am trying to get all numbers in Cell B to have the same format (i.e., 08-4081). When I open the file half of the numbers with the 08- prefix change to date form. When I try to change the date format to General, the numbers are jumbled and do not match the numbers or format that is needed but appear in as the following 78.....

Thank you for your help.

**JBeaucaire** · 07-14-2009, 01:31 PM

Try format CUSTOM: 00-0000

**Palmetto** · 07-14-2009, 01:32 PM

Format the cells as Text.

**Onestopfanshop** · 07-15-2009, 08:33 AM

I used the custom format 00-0000 and the format is now correct, however the numbers are still not correct. Ex: number should be 08-4098, shows as 80-3018. Any ideas?

**oldchippy** · 07-15-2009, 08:40 AM

Do the custom format on the cell first then enter the data, it looks like Excel is trying to convert it to a date

**Onestopfanshop** · 07-28-2009, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by oldchippy

Do the custom format on the cell first then enter the data, it looks like Excel is trying to convert it to a date

I can't do it in reverse order. I am opening spreadsheets that already exist. The data comes from another source not from me. Any other suggestions?

**ChemistB** · 07-28-2009, 01:47 PM

If you are pasting the values into your spreadsheet, you'll need to first set up your custom format and then Paste Special>Values. That way your custom formatting won't be pasted over. Does that work for you?