XL2000: Separator in Comma Separated Value (CSV) File Is Substituted Without Warning (266200)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q266200

SYMPTOMS

When you save your file as a Comma Separated Value (CSV) file from Excel, the separator (delimiter) that is used is not the character that you chose to be the List separator for your system. When this occurs, you do not receive a warning or error message.

CAUSE

You chose the same character for both your Decimal symbol and your List separator in the Regional Settings of your system Control Panel. In this condition, Excel must substitute another character for the list separator to avoid a possible loss of information when the CSV file is saved.

WORKAROUND

Change either your List separator or your Decimal symbol in the Regional Settings, so that they are not the same character. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Regional Settings or Regional Options. Click the Number (or Numbers) tab.
  3. In the Decimal symbols list, choose a character that is not the same as your list separator. Alternately, in the List separator list, choose a character that is not the same as your decimal symbol.
  4. Click OK.
  5. If you are prompted to restart the computer, do so.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/29/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbnofix KB266200
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.