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the only way to prevent Excel from converting date-like number values into 'real dates' is to format the number values as text. or escape each and every number
by dendriti 5y ago
the only way to prevent Excel from converting date-like number values into 'real dates' is to format the number values as text. or escape each and every number value so this doesn't occur.
this is not just a workaround - it's recommended by Microsoft. because you literally cannot turn this functionality off.
how is that not an "Excel issue"?
- tssva 5y agoThat is how spreadsheets work. Try Libreoffice or Google Sheets. You will find they operate the same. Spreadsheets format all cells as a generic type where the value entered to it is gets assigned a more specific type by the spreadsheet application. If you want to insure that the value you entered is interpreted as a specific type you need to identify that to the spreadsheet application prior to entering the value.
- dendriti 5y agoI was responding to the claim that Excel "doesn't alter data without being asked either." I guess it does, and it should?