XL2002: Unable to Convert Text to Number When the Cell Contains a Number (282141)
The information in this article applies to:
This article was previously published under Q282141 SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to format a cell as a number, the cell remains formatted as text.
CAUSE
This occurs in the following situation:
- In the Format Cells dialog box, you format a cell as text.
-and- - You then type a number into that cell.
-and- - In the Format Cells dialog box, you then format the cell as a number.
The cell remains formatted as text.
WORKAROUND
To convert cells formatted as text to numbers, follow these steps:
- Select the cell formatted as text that you want to convert to a number.
Notice that the Error Checking Options button appears if you select the cell or rest the mouse pointer over the cell. The cell should contain an Error Indicator in the upper left corner of the cell.
NOTE: If the Error Checking Options button does not appear or you do not see an Error Indicator, follow these steps to turn on background error checking:- On the Tools menu, click Options.
- In the Options dialog box that appears, click the Error Checking tab.
- Under the Settings section, click to select Enable background error checking.
- Under the Rules section, make sure the Number stored as text rule is selected, then click OK.
- On the Error Checking Options button, click the down arrow.
Notice that the Number Stored as Text menu appears. - Click Convert to Number.
Notice that the cell is converted to the number format and the Error Indicator no longer appears in the cell.
MORE INFORMATIONFor more information about formatting numbers, click Microsoft Excel Help on the
Help menu, type format numbers in the Office Assistant or
the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics
returned.
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 3/27/2001 |
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| Keywords: | kbprb KB282141 |
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