Dates Display as Text Entries in the Spreadsheet and Database
PSS ID Number: Q103060
Article last modified on 09-13-1994
PSS database name: HOMETOOL

2.00 2.00a
WINDOWS

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The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft Works for Windows, versions 2.0 and 2.0a
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SUMMARY
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If you enter a date in an order different from the Date Format setting
in the Windows Control Panel, Works may not recognize it as a valid
date. As a result, Works will insert the date as a text string that is
displayed with a double quotation mark in front of the entry on the
formula bar.

MORE INFORMATION
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Works for Windows uses the International Date Format setting in
Control Panel when Works checks date entries in the Spreadsheet and
Database for validity. The order setting determines the order of the
day, month, and year when you enter a date. For example, an order
setting of YMD would require that the date of September 18, 1993 be
entered in Works as 93/9/18. If it is entered differently, Works will
read it as a text string.
If you want to change the date order setting, use the following steps:
1. In the Windows Control Panel, choose International.
2. Select the Change button in the Date Format area.
3. Set the long and short date order to the order you prefer
   and choose OK.
4. Choose OK again to exit the International dialog box.
Note: Any text entries made prior to this change will need to have the
double quotation marks removed. For more information on converting
numbers entered as text, query on the following words in the Microsoft
Knowledge Base:
   converting and text and numeric and format

KBCategory:
KBSubcategory:
Additional reference words: 2.00 left-aligned left alignment ss db
formatting sort sorting

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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1994.