Q132406 - Long Digits in Lotus 1-2-3 Convert to Scientific Notation

Long Digits in Lotus 1-2-3 Convert to Scientific Notation

Q132406

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0

SYMPTOMS

When you open a Lotus 1-2-3 file in Word 6.0, numbers with 11 or more digits are converted to scientific notation. Numbers with fewer than 11 digits are not converted to scientific notation. This problem occurs when using the Word 6.0 for Windows and the Word 6.0 for Windows NT Lotus 1-2-3 converters for Lotus 1-2-3 versions 2.x, 3.x, 4.x, and 5.0.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q124871 Lotus 1-2-3 Converter Update Available for WinWord 6.0

Q107890 Lotus 1-2-3 Converter Limitations in Word 6.0 for Windows

The document, 123LIMIT.DOC, which ships with the Application Note titled "Lotus 1-2-3 Versions 2.0-5.0 Converter" (part number GC1133) states the following regarding numeric formatting:


   Numeric formatting     Lotus 1-2-3 tries to fit numbers in General
                          format into the current column width. When
                          converted, these numbers are brought in at
                          their full precision. Therefore, you may see
                          more decimal places in Word 6.0 than you did
                          in your worksheet.

However, if the number contains 11 or more digits, the number will be converted to scientific notation. This may cause the number to lose precision.

Note that when you open the file in Microsoft Excel, numbers with 11 or more digits are not displayed in scientific notation.

CAUSE

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Word converters LOTUS123.CNV (Word for Windows) and LOTUS32.CNV (Word for NT). We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

RESOLUTION

To prevent numbers with 11 or more digits from being converted to scientific notation, place an apostrophe (') before the number in Lotus 1-2-3 prior to opening the file in Word 6.0. Placing the apostrophe before the number forces the number to be treated as text.

Additional query words: 6.00a 6.00c word6 winword ntword wordnt textconv conversion converted converts transfer transfers translation translate 123 1 2 3 lotus123

Keywords : kbconversion
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Technology :