XL97: Format Cells Sample May Display Number Signs

ID: Q163231

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

The sample number that appears in the Format Cells dialog box may display 20 number signs (#) instead of an example of the selected number format.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the following conditions are true:

• The selected cell contains more than 255 characters.

      -and-
  

• The selected category in the Format Cells dialog box is General, Accounting, or Text.

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

Several of the number formats also display number signs when the selected cell contains more than 255 characters. For example, number signs may appear when you use General, Accounting, or Text formats. When you reduce the total number of characters to less than 255 (after formatting), Microsoft Excel correctly displays the numbers.

Additional query words: pound sign text display number text custom

Keywords          : xlformat 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: November 5, 1998