Excel Date Transfer Error

[boyeabs]

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

I have an Excel Spreadsheet that was originally created in Access. When copying and pasting cell dates from one Worksheet into a different file the date adds 1462 days to the original data...when copying back to the original file the dates are restored. When copying from the copy the new inaccurate dates remain. When copying within the same file, dates remain the consistent. When copying an entire worksheet with the Move/Copy function, the same rules apply. Lastly, when editing the actual cell and copying data from the formula bar, data integrity is maintained. No other data types are affected. When the file is moved to a PC the exact same error occurs. There are no visual formulas embedded in the cells.

 

[Bob Greenblatt]

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

I have an Excel Spreadsheet that was originally created in Access. When
copying and pasting cell dates from one Worksheet into a different file the
date adds 1462 days to the original data...when copying back to the original
file the dates are restored. When copying from the copy the new inaccurate
dates remain. When copying within the same file, dates remain the consistent.
When copying an entire worksheet with the Move/Copy function, the same rules
apply. Lastly, when editing the actual cell and copying data from the formula
bar, data integrity is maintained. No other data types are affected. When the
file is moved to a PC the exact same error occurs. There are no visual
formulas embedded in the cells.

This is because the macintosh is using the 1904 date system. Uncheck this
option in the calculation tab of preferences.

 

[boyeabs]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the quick response...

Found the setting but it only affects the current workbook. How can I make this a default setting and what are the consequences of doing that? What is the default for Windows Based Excel?

Thanks,
Bruce

 

[Bob Greenblatt]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the quick response...

Found the setting but it only affects the current workbook. How can I make
this a default setting and what are the consequences of doing that? What is
the default for Windows Based Excel?

Thanks,
Bruce

The default for windows is 1904 date system UNCHECKED. To make this the
default for all new Mac created workbooks, make a Workbook template. (Look
in help for details). There are no consequences unless you are regularly
exchanging workbooks with Windows users. This setting is saved with the
workbook.