cell format

[Terry]

I set up cell format as text before I type any data.

I have a samples with ID 9920-2, 9920-10, 9920-15, 9920-18,...
However if I push "Enter" after typing ID, Excel change 9920-2 and 9920-10
to Feb-20 and Oct-20 without even ask do I wnat to change format. ID after
9920-15 remain the same.

Can anyone tell me how to make Excel stop changing my format, and just keep
the format I have set up.

 

[Bob Umlas]

Enter with leading apostrophe which won't show.
Bob Umlas
Excel MVP

 

[RagDyer]

I would guess that you didn't pre-format *enough* cells to Text.

Maybe you formatted 25 cells, and you're now entering your ID's in the 26th
and 27th cells.

XL *will retain* your ID's as entered, as long as the cell is pre-formatted
to Text.

 

[Terry]

When I set up format I select "whole" column, unless that is wrong way, I
think I got all of them.

Excel automatically my format occur at that column.

 

[RagDyer]

I can't duplicate your problem.

Click in one of the cells that you say returns a date.
Then,
<Format> <Cells> <Number> tab,
And what do you see selected in the "Category" window?