Problem in Copying Dates

[storm]

I am using Excel 2004 on an iMac G5 with OS X.

I am trying to copy dates from an old spreadsheet to a new one. I am
using copy then paste special - values. But the year changes when I
copy (e.g. 2003 becomes 2007).

I have no idea what this is about. I am fairly proficient in Excel

 

[JE McGimpsey]

I am using Excel 2004 on an iMac G5 with OS X.

I am trying to copy dates from an old spreadsheet to a new one. I am
using copy then paste special - values. But the year changes when I
copy (e.g. 2003 becomes 2007).

I have no idea what this is about. I am fairly proficient in Excel

Your workbooks are using different date systems. The old workbook is
using the 1900 date system, while the new one is using the 1904 (MacXL
Default) system.

Either change your new workbook, or, adjust the dates (which are just
integer offsets from the base date):

1) Put the number 1462 in an empty cell. Copy the cell.

2) Select the dates to be modified.

3a) If in the old workbook, choose Edit/Paste Special, selecting the
Values and Add radio buttons.

OR

3b) If in the new workbook, choose Edit/Paste Special, selecting the
Values and Subtract radio buttons.

 

[Trisha Miller]

Is there a way to tell Excel 2008 to use the 1900 system as it's default? Apparently every time I open a new worksheet I have to go to Preferences and change this so that data copied from any of my (literally thousands) of existing worksheets will display dates correctly - I would rather change the default behavior than to have to go back through all of my older worksheets to change them individually.....

Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

 

[JE McGimpsey]

Is there a way to tell Excel 2008 to use the 1900 system as it's default?
Apparently every time I open a new worksheet I have to go to Preferences and
change this so that data copied from any of my (literally thousands) of
existing worksheets will display dates correctly - I would rather change the
default behavior than to have to go back through all of my older worksheets
to change them individually.....

Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

Create a default workbook (XL Help: "Control how workbooks and sheets
are created").

In brief:

Create a new workbook.
Change the date format
Save the workbook *as a template* named "Workbook" (no quotes, no
extension) in the

Applications:Microsoft Office 2008:Office:Startup:Excel

folder. Close and reopen XL. All new workbooks will use that template
(unless you hold the SHIFT key down when starting XL.

 

[Bob Greenblatt]

Is there a way to tell Excel 2008 to use the 1900 system as it's default?
Apparently every time I open a new worksheet I have to go to Preferences and
change this so that data copied from any of my (literally thousands) of
existing worksheets will display dates correctly - I would rather change the
default behavior than to have to go back through all of my older worksheets to
change them individually.....

Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

Look in help for work book templates. Set one up using the date format you
want.

 

[Trisha]

Thank you both! That worked perfectly - I appreciate your help!