Works: Decimal Points Do Not Align with Negative Numbers (81426)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 2.0
  • Microsoft Works 2.0a
This article was previously published under Q81426

SUMMARY

If the Windows Control Panel setting for the format of negative currency amounts includes parentheses, negative dollar amounts and negative comma- formatted numbers will not align with other numbers containing decimals in the spreadsheet or the database list view. Microsoft Works for Windows version 2.x does not shift non-negative numbers to the right or the left to account for the parentheses in the negative numbers.

The numbers may align as follows: 
       $12.50      -- non-negative number
      (12.50)      -- negative 12.50
   (1,234.66)      -- negative 1234.66

STATUS

This problem was corrected in Works for Windows versions 3.0 and later.

WORKAROUND

To correct this problem in Works 2.x running under Windows 3.x, use the following steps:

  1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the International icon.
  3. In the Currency Format box, choose the Change button. Select a different format to represent negative currency from the Negative box. For example, you could choose:

    -$123.22

  4. Choose OK in the Currency Format box, then choose OK in the International dialog box.
To correct this problem running Works 2.x under Windows 95, use the following steps:

  1. Click the Start button, point to settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Regional Settings.
  3. Click the Currency tab.
  4. Click the Negative number format box, and select "-$1.1", where "$" is the universal currency symbol. Click OK.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Windows 3.0 User's Guide," pages 180-185.
"Microsoft Windows 3.1 User's Guide," pages 169 - 175.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/25/2003
Keywords:KB81426
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.