Cell format on reading .csv file

[sdawson]

I have a .csv file where fields may have value "01234".

When I read this file into Excel, I want the cell to be formatted as text
(so the 0 is retained). By default Excel formats as numeric and loses the 0.

There is an alternative where I can rename the file as .txt and use the
wizard, but I want to see if there is a simpler alternative.

I have tried prefixing the field with "'" character, but that resyults in
the value "101234" in the cell.

Any ideas?

 

[Jacob Skaria]

You dont need to rename the file instead in 2007 from menu Data>From Text and
in 2003 from menu Data>Import External Data>Import Data select the .csv file
to be opened and then follow ..the Wizard.

If this post helps click Yes

 

[sdawson]

Thanks Jacob - just found that one as well; but is there nothng I can do to
the field in the csv to make Excel automatically interpret as text?

If I type directly into the cell, I can force Excel to intepret as text by
prefixing with "'". I was hoping for something similar I can use fo the file.

 

[Jacob Skaria]

Sorry, you will need to use the wizard anyway.

If this post helps click Yes