Column won't recognize format command - Vlookup issue!

[TLC]

I have two files with the first column being an eight-digit identifier
that is formatted as General. However, the vlookup command won't work
because one of the files refuses to recognize the General cell
formatting no matter how many times I try to change it.

Is this familiar to anyone who could please advise?

Thanks very much.
Trudy

 

[Jan Putcuyps]

I have two files with the first column being an eight-digit identifier
that is formatted as General. However, the vlookup command won't work
because one of the files refuses to recognize the General cell
formatting no matter how many times I try to change it.

Is this familiar to anyone who could please advise?

Thanks very much.
Trudy

You can try converting the first column to a figure by using the value()
formula. Sometimes it is possible you have cells with figures, that are
still treated as text, even if the format is in General.

Hope it works
Jan

 

[JE McGimpsey]

I have two files with the first column being an eight-digit identifier
that is formatted as General. However, the vlookup command won't work
because one of the files refuses to recognize the General cell
formatting no matter how many times I try to change it.

Is this familiar to anyone who could please advise?

If you can't format it, the entries were entered as Text. Since Text
isn't a number, number formatting won't change it.

One way to quickly convert text numbers to actual numbers is to copy an
empty cell, then select your "numbers" and choose Edit/Paste Special,
selecting the Add and Values radio buttons.

 

[TLC]

Superb! This is the answer that worked perfectly.

A Gold Star and thanks!
Trudy