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Excel 2016 - Copy Text With Leading Dash Into Cell

Bob Collison
Bob Collison asked
on
Hi Experts,

When I copy the following text into an Excel 2016 Cell it makes it into a Formula.  See Below.

Original Cell Contents:
-Scouts Canada-Central Escarpment Council-Burlington Area-1st Carlisle Group-1st Carlisle A Crew

Text To Be Pasted Into Cell:
 -Scouts Canada-Central Escarpment Council-Burlington Area-Burlington Co-op Camp Committee

Paste Result:
=AK4-Scouts Canada-Central Escarpment Council-Burlington Area-Burlington Co-op Camp Committee-Scouts Canada-Central Escarpment Council-Burlington Area-Burlington Co-op Camp Committee

How do I get ti to just accept the text?

Thanks,
Bob C.
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Mechanical Engineer
Most Valuable Expert 2013
Top Expert 2013
Commented:
Put a single quote in the cell, then paste the copied text.

Alternatively, format the cell as Text prior to pasting the copied text into it.
Bob CollisonSystem Architect

Author

Commented:
Hi Expert,

That solved it!

Thanks,
Bob C.
byundtMechanical Engineer
Most Valuable Expert 2013
Top Expert 2013

Commented:
The problem arises if the copied text begins with =, - or =. In such cases, Excel thinks the text is a formula and tries to evaluate it. The initial single quote tells Excel that what follows is to be interpreted as text. And pre-formatting the cell as text tells Excel that any value placed in that cell will be displayed and stored as text.