Works: Data Is Changed When Copied to a New Works Database (270858)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 6
  • Microsoft Works Suite 2001
  • Microsoft Works 7.0
  • Microsoft Works Suite 2002
  • Microsoft Works Suite 2003
This article was previously published under Q270858

SYMPTOMS

If you copy data from a Microsoft Works database and you paste the data into a new Works database, the data may change.

For example, the date 11/3/2000 changes to 36833; the time 10:00 A.M. changes to 0.4166667, and the fraction 1 11/20 changes to 1.55.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the fields in the original database are set to date, time, or fraction formats.

In a new database document, all fields are automatically formatted as general fields.

In a general field:
  • A date appears as a serial number calculated by the number of days the date occurs after January 1, 1900.
  • Time appears as a serial number calculated as a fractional part of a 24-hour day.
  • A fraction appears as its decimal equivalent.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, format the fields in the new database to match the format of the original database. To check the formatting in the original database and format a new database in a similar manner, follow these steps:
  1. In the original database, select the field or cell for which you want to check the formatting.
  2. On the Format menu, click Field.
  3. In the Format pane, note the format that is selected, and then click Cancel.
  4. Switch to the new database.
  5. Select the field that you want to format to match the format of the original database.
  6. On the Format menu, click Field.
  7. In the Format pane, click the format that you noted in step 3.
  8. Click OK. Note that the data now appears in the format that you want.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/17/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB270858
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