MacXL: How to Bypass the Text Import Wizard When You Import Files (191181)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2001 for Mac
  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q191181

SUMMARY

When you import text files into Microsoft Excel, the Text Import Wizard may automatically appear and display the first line as shown using the default parse line. You can bypass the Text Import Wizard and accept the defaults by holding down the SHIFT key when you open the file.

MORE INFORMATION

If the files you import into Microsoft Excel are always parsed correctly when you open them, you may not want to display the Text Import Wizard during the import process. To keep the Text Import Wizard dialog box from appearing when you import a file, follow these steps:
  1. On the File menu, click Open.
  2. Locate and select the file you want from the list.
  3. Hold down the SHIFT key and click Open.
This technique is especially helpful when used with files such as tab- delimited text files.

NOTE: The Text Import Wizard is not displayed when you open text files with a .CSV extension (comma-separated value files). Instead, the text file is parsed into separate columns using commas as delimiters. If you want the Text Import Wizard to be displayed for files with a .CSV extension, rename the text file so that its file name extension is .txt.

REFERENCES

For more information about opening text files, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type troubleshoot converting file formats in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/11/2002
Keywords:kbconversion kbhowto KB191181
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.