Can not format cell number

[brentcook]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I am unable to apply any format to a cell number. I type a number (11000000) and go to Format; Cell; Number but selections (, or $ etc) do not apply and it stays 11000000.

 

[CyberTaz]

Basic question: Did you press tab or return to complete the entry before
trying to format the cell? You can't change cell formatting while in the
Edit or Enter mode.

If that isn't the problem make sure Office (12.1.5) & OS X (10.5.6) are
fully updated. Repair permissions & restart your Mac if you apply any
updates.

Should the problem persist, try logging in as a different user & see if you
have any success in that account.

Include detailed results (including version specifics) when you reply. Also,
is this occurring in all cells, all sheets in the workbook? Does it happen
in other workbooks? What more can you provide?

 

[JE McGimpsey]

I am unable to apply any format to a cell number. I type a number (11000000)
and go to Format; Cell; Number but selections (, or $ etc) do not apply and
it stays 11000000.

Sounds like the 'number' was entered as Text - either the cell was
formatted as text when the entry was made, or it was originally pasted
in from another app and XL interpreted it as text.

Once XL interprets the entry as Text, applying a number format,
naturally, doesn't work.

You could check using =ISTEXT(A1)

But it's probably just as easy to apply a fix: Change the format of the
cell. Click in the Formula Bar and hit Return.