Works: Dates Displayed as Numbers in Database or Spreadsheet (76573)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 2.0
  • Microsoft Works 2.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0
  • Microsoft Works 3.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0b
  • Microsoft Works 4.5
  • Microsoft Works 4.5a
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0 4.0a
This article was previously published under Q76573

SUMMARY

Works stores dates as a numeric serial number. The starting day is January 1, 1900. If a field or cell where a date has been entered displays a number, this number represents the number of days since January 1, 1900.

MORE INFORMATION

When entering a date in a spreadsheet or a database and if the date appears as a number, use the following methods to make the date appear in date format. Although you can try these methods in any order, the first method addresses the most common cause.

METHOD 1: Format the Field as Date/Time

Works 4.0, 4.5, 4.5a for Windows 95

  1. In the Works spreadsheet, select the column with the incorrect date.

    In the Works database, either click on the field with the incorrect date or use the ARROW keys to move to the field with the incorrect date.
  2. On the Format menu in the spreadsheet, click Number.

    In the Works database, on the Format menu, click Field.
  3. In the Format box, click Date.
  4. Select the appropriate Date format and click OK.

Works 3.0

  1. In the Works spreadsheet, select the column with the incorrect date.

    In the Works database, either click on the field with the incorrect date or use the ARROW keys to move to the field with the incorrect date.
  2. From the Format menu, click Number and Date/Time.
  3. Select the appropriate Date/Time format.
  4. Click OK or press ENTER.

Works 2.0

  1. In the Works spreadsheet, select the column with the incorrect date

    In the Works database, either click on the field with the incorrect date or use the arrow keys to move to the field with the incorrect date.
  2. Format the column as Time/Date.
  3. Select the desired format and press ENTER.
NOTE: In some cases, the date will not display properly, even though method 1 above was properly executed. If the date still does not display properly, try the following method.

METHOD 2: Windows Settings

Windows 95

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Regional Settings. Click the Date tab.
Make sure that the appropriate date format is defined for the Country and Language selected.

Windows 3.0

Run the Windows Control Panel and double-click the International icon. Make sure that the appropriate date format is defined for the Country and Language selected.

REFERENCES

For more information about how to perform this task in Works for Windows 95, see your Works printed documentation or online Help.

"Microsoft Works for Windows User's Guide" version 3.0, page 171, 312

"Microsoft Works for Windows User's Guide" version 2.0, page 142, 268

"Microsoft Windows User's Guide" version 3.1, page 171.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/15/2004
Keywords:kbinfo KB76573
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.