Cannot save changes to .xls without converting to .txt format.

[Wagcain]

Version: 2004 Operating System: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Processor: Intel Bob G had offered the solution of how to convert a .cvs file to .xls. Now I cannot save changes to the workbook. I am prompted to save as a .txt file.
When I hit "save" the document ltc_src_may.xls produces a pop up window that says save as ltc_src_may.txt. That is not what I want to do. I just want it to save the changes to the workbook in the excel format. not sure how to include a screen shot or I would. Thanks in advance.
Kevin

 

[Jim Gordon Mac MVP]

Version: 2004 Operating System: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Processor:
Intel Bob G had offered the solution of how to convert a .cvs file to
.xls. Now I cannot save changes to the workbook. I am prompted to save
as a .txt file.
When I hit "save" the document ltc_src_may.xls produces a pop up window
that says save as ltc_src_may.txt. That is not what I want to do. I just
want it to save the changes to the workbook in the excel format. not
sure how to include a screen shot or I would. Thanks in advance.
Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Use File > Save As and change the Format to Excel Workbook.

-Jim

 

[Wagcain]

I appreciate your reply, Jim. Saved it as an Excel 5.0/95 workbook. Could not close Excel afterward; had to force quit. When I reopened Excel and the file the changes were not preserved.
Suggestions?
I used the Grab tool to create an image of the copies prior to closing so that all I will need to do is retype the entries but don't want to do that each time I open and close the file. Thanks again. kc

 

[CyberTaz]

Not all CSVs are created equal, despite what we're led to believe I have
no idea what the 'solution' from Bob G was as I can't locate that thread,
but if you haven't tried this way it's worth a go:

In Excel start with a new blank workbook. Use Data> Get External Data>
Import from text file, then save in Excel format before making any changes.

Why are you saving in the 5.0/95 format? Unless there is an overpowering
need to do so Excel Workbook (.xlsx) is far preferable & more stable.
Otherwise, 97-2004 (.xls) is as prehistoric as it would be advisable to use.

 

[Wagcain]

Good morning, Bob.
Here is the original solution that took me from a an jumble of text and numbers to text and numbers with columns and rows: http://www.officeformac.com/ms/ProductForums/Excel/3586. This was Bob Greenblats solution. I had 3 questions in drop down boxes that got me to Excel. Switched to 5.0/95 format based on Jim Gordon's reply. Will try yours later today. Thanks again.

 

[CyberTaz]

What Jim wrote was:

"Use File > Save As and change the Format to Excel Workbook."

I believe simply meant to use Excel 2004's default format.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Wagcain]

No go, Jim.
When I save the document to .xlw, it will try to open Windows Excel using Parallels. It even savesit as such to my Mac desktop. Suggestions?
Kevin

 

[John_McGhie_[MVP]]

1) Open your file in Excel

2) Go to the Excel File menu and choose Save As

3) Correct the FORMAT to "Excel Workbook"

4) Assign a file name different from the one you opened, and ensure the
extension .xls is added.

Now hit OK.

It will work after that

Cheers

No go, Jim.
When I save the document to .xlw, it will try to open Windows Excel using
Parallels. It even savesit as such to my Mac desktop. Suggestions?
Kevin

--

The email below is my business email -- Please do not email me about forum
matters unless I ask you to; or unless you intend to pay!

John McGhie, Microsoft MVP (Word, Mac Word), Consultant Technical Writer,
McGhie Information Engineering Pty Ltd
Sydney, Australia. | Ph: +61 (0)4 1209 1410 | mailto:[email protected]

 

[Wagcain]

You are right, John; it did work after that!
Thanks to Jim Gordon, Bob Jones and you for your help. Best regards, Kevin

 

[John_McGhie_[MVP]]

No worries Trap for young players: Excel will not allow you to save a
new format file over the top of an old format, because it needs to be able
to read from the first to write the second.

Cheers

You are right, John; it did work after that!
Thanks to Jim Gordon, Bob Jones and you for your help. Best regards, Kevin

--

The email below is my business email -- Please do not email me about forum
matters unless I ask you to; or unless you intend to pay!

John McGhie, Microsoft MVP (Word, Mac Word), Consultant Technical Writer,
McGhie Information Engineering Pty Ltd
Sydney, Australia. | Ph: +61 (0)4 1209 1410 | mailto:[email protected]