Wednesday, July 1, 2009

This is why I hate Microsoft

Try typing the following CAS# into Excel: 7440-05-3

Now, try to keep Excel in it's infinite wisdom from changing it into something else like a date or a random number.

If anyone knows how to force Excel to keep the number the way I type it, let me know before I punch my computer.

I've tried everything.

9 comments:

Chemgeek said...

My current work-around solution is to force it to be text and not a number. I should not have to do this.

markmier said...

I agree, just input it as text. Type this:

'7440-05-3

Al Anine said...

Highlight squares->right click->format cells->text

David Luiken said...

If you use an apostrophe before you enter the number it will remain as you typed it and it will not show up in the live cell.

Lisa-tastrophies said...

Sorry, I am still mastering the scientific calculator. :-)

MJenks said...

Inventory time for the olde chemical stockroom?

brian12566 said...

highlight the cell->right click->format cells->under the Number Tab, choose the category "CUSTOM"(latst one on the bottom)-> that should tell Excel to leave text exactly as typed.

Chemgeek said...

Thanks for all the input. My point is still that I shouldn't have to do any of these things. I can think for myself, Microsoft, thank you very much.

I am going to abandon Excel and create a filemaker database. Mostly because my list has gotten rather big and secondly, I'm mad at Excel.

Matt: You are correct, sir. Thankfully, once I create the list, someone else gets to cull the MSDSs.

Lisa: Type the number 58008 in your calculator and turn it upside down. hehehehehe

Jason said...

you can always use OpenOffice