Numbers with Hyphens May Be Subtracted when Imported

SUMMARY

When importing a file to Excel from another application, it is possible that some of the contents may calculate to a single value when you actually want the exact text to come across. For example, you may want to import the following social security number into Excel:

   355-80-7765

   -7490

If the number was originally entered into the other application as text, you will not have this problem. However, if it was entered as a value, it will evaluate the number to a result.

To display the original contents as opposed to displaying the calculated value, refer to the following steps:

1. Highlight the cell or range of cells that contain the calculated value.

2. From the Options menu, choose Workspace.

3. Select the Alternate Navigation Keys check box.

4. From the Formula menu, choose Replace.

5. Enter an equal sign (=) in the Find What box.

6. Enter a single quotation mark (') in the Replace With box.

7. Choose the Replace All button.

MORE INFORMATION

With Alternate Navigation Keys enabled, you can use an additional set of keyboard commands in Excel. By placing a single quotation mark before an entry, you convert the value to text. You can disable Alternate Navigation Keys after making all the necessary changes, and the data will still remain as text.

This method of converting values to text is helpful if you are importing telephone numbers, social security numbers, or part numbers.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft User's Guide," version 3.0, pages 46-47 and 170-171