formatting problem on imported data

L

lynn

I have a column that I set a custom format. On the data
that is imported in, some cells are formatting according
to the custom format, while other cells do not. On the
cells that do not, I noticed that if I click in the
formula bar, then click away, the formatting in the cell
will change to the custom. So I have 2 questions - why is
this happening, and is there an easy way to correct the
whole column without having to click in the formula bar
for each cell that is incorrect. Using Excel 2002.
 
N

Nick Hodge

Lynn

This is normally because the data coming in is seen as text by Excel and it
tries to set a format to match.

You should see, in XL2002 small green triangles if this is the case and
selecting the data and hovering to the left of the top selected cell will
show a smart tag. Click on this and it will normally give you some options.
One of which will possibly 'unlock' the formatting.

If this doesn't work, check carefully the incoming data source to see if the
data has leading apostrophes(') or is formatted at source as text

--
HTH
Nick Hodge
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Southampton, England
[email protected]
 
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