Converting from text file to excel

[Moor]

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

I converted a file from a .txt file into .xls format so that I could work with columns of numbers. the cells containing numbers that are positive numbers are recognized as numbers after the conversion and I can add, subtract, etc.

However, the cells containing amounts that are supposed to be negative numbers do not convert into "number" formats. When I try to add them, I get a:"value" in the cell with my formula. I have tried to convert them with cell formatting, but this doesn't help the negatives to be recognized as numbers. The cells must still be 'text" or some other format.

 

[JE McGimpsey]

However, the cells containing amounts that are supposed to be negative
numbers do not convert into "number" formats. When I try to add them, I get
a:"value" in the cell with my formula. I have tried to convert them with cell
formatting, but this doesn't help the negatives to be recognized as numbers.
The cells must still be 'text" or some other format.

Cell formatting doesn't affect the value stored in the cell, which is
what XL uses to calculate.

Assuming that the values look like valid negative numbers (e.g., -2),
try:

Select an empty cell.
Copy the cell.
Select your negative numbers.
Choose Edit/Paste Special, selecting Values and Add. Click OK.