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Text / CSV File Open in Excel (Leading zeros)

Is there something I can put in the Text/CSV File so that when the operator opens it in Excel by double clicking it, it won't remove the leading zeros in one of the number fields...they want to see the leading zeros...but want to double click it to open it.

Thanks,
Mark

Shaun Kline

You can put an apostrophe (') at the beginning of the value.

Excel will treat the value as text instead of a number.

smithmrk

ASKER

Yes, but when you double click the csv file the apostrophe (') shows in the field...is there a way to do it so the apostrophe (') doesn't show when you open the file? I know in older version of Excel it would drop the apostrophe (') and leave the leading zeros, but new versions don't do that it shows it in the cell.

Mark

Lofty Worm

I suspect it is not directly possible as you state it, this would seem to support that position;
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-files/how-to-format-notepads-differently/06b37b6d-a463-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5?auth=1

But, You may be able to setup the defaults inside excel to always read cells in a specific way.

my 2 cents

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Lofty Worm

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smithmrk

ASKER

Well that is close enough...Thanks!

Shaun Kline

I ran across a "hack" that might work for you. If you include a tab after the number, Excel treats the field as a text. It is not viewable by the user unless they edit the field.

smithmrk

ASKER

Oh Crap...Sorry Shaun I didn't give you enough time to post that answer before I awarded the points to the other expert.

I will try that and I'm totally sorry for not giving you more time to find that and for me to get you some points.

Thanks,
Mark

smithmrk

ASKER

OK Shaun...

I tried the Tab thing after the number and it puts a small square box after the number in the cell.

Thanks,
Mark

tel2

In Excel 2007 I also get that small square box (with a "?" inside it), smithmrk.
What version of Excel are you using, anyway?

smithmrk

ASKER

I'm using Excel 2010, just the square box for me.