How do I refresh a column after changing the formatting?

[Angie]

I import a lot of data from different sources into excel. When I format a
column the cell does not refresh automatically. I have to manually enter the
cell and hit F2 for the formatting to take. When I am dealing with thousands
of rows, this is impossible to to. Is there a trick I don't know about that
can help me?

For example, one source might import a social security number in text format
with dashes (999-99-9999) while another will import it as a number
(999999999). I have the same problem with dates.

If anyone else has experience this problem, your advice would be appreciated.

 

[Gord Dibben]

Very possible that your numbers are coming in as text so formatting won't take
until you F2 and Enter.

Format all to General then......................

Select an empty cell and copy it.

Select the range to change and in place Edit>Paste Special>Add>OK>Esc.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP