Importing dates from excel

[PocketNeo]

I currently use Enact, another project software.
I exported my Enact project so as to import it into MS Project 2003.
The file is an .XLS (I tried usign MPX but if didn't import all the fields I
wanted).

My dates in the XLS file are in the format 4/29/05, meaning April 29th, 2005.
When I try and map this START DATE, for example, to START in prject, it's
fine in the custom mapping dialogs, but the map thinks its TEXT.

When I go to FINISH the mapping/import dialogs, I get an error that "4/29/05
is not a valid entry for Start."

It would take a while to re-format my Excel file into a different date
format, so I'd rather find a solution to get this to work on import into
Project.

Lastly, is there a way to get more date formats then the standard Project
date formats. I prefer DD-MMM-YY (e.g. 01-JAN-05).

 

[JackD]

Perhaps there is a leading space or something similar in the date field.
Try doing a replace within project.

 

[PocketNeo]

I wish it was that easy....there's no leading or trailing spaces.

 

[Rod Gill]

If your PC is set to d/m/yy date format, you will either have to swap it
temporarily to m/d/yy via the control panel or reformat your excel dates.
That should be easy:
Select the columns with dates
Select Format, Cells
Select Category Custom on the Number tab
In the type box enter d mmm yyyy
Save and try the import again.