How do I convert imported date/time data to date/time format?

**andykent99** · 01-02-2013, 06:26 PM

I have loaded a .csv file in which the first column contains date/times, e.g. 01/12/2012 00:00. How do I now tell Excel (2010) that this is in fact a date/time format? If I select one or more of the cells, click on the Number dialog box launcher and try to pick a suitable format tghe cells resolutely refuse to budge from being text (i.e. left-justified, still allows me to edit the 'seconds' component to a number > 60). Also which data type should I be using? The only one that appears to have a full date/time format listed is Custom (not Date or Time). My locale is English UK.

Many thanks
Andy

**Norie** · 01-02-2013, 06:43 PM

Andy

Try selecting the column with the date/times, going to Data>Text to column and pressing Finish.

**andykent99** · 01-02-2013, 07:32 PM

That doesn't seem to want to work for me. Attaching a selection of the workbook.

**daddylonglegs** · 01-02-2013, 07:56 PM

Looks like you have a "leading space" with each of those entries. I used Data > Text to columns > Fixed width, then moved the line so that it's just to the left of the first part of the date > Select next and then with the small first column selected choose the "do not import" option > Finish