Excel formatting disabled how do i fix it?

Question

I imported data and when I right click and selected cell format and numbers it wont change it any idea how to fix it?

How do I check again if cells are blocked?

Answer 1

Normally, you have to select the format when you do the import. Since you have already imported it, try the following

+ Select one column that you have this problem in
+ Go to Data
+ Text to column - Fixed width
+ Click next (make sure there are no black lines - column separators)
+ Click "OK"

Now it should work for numbers. If it is for dates, do the same thing with an extra step: i.e
+ Go to Data
+ Text to column - Fixed width
+ Click next (make sure there are no black lines - column separators)
+ Next
+ Column data format ==> Date & select the format
+ Click "OK"

Answer 2

I don't know from your question what you have done. You need to give more detail.

If you in fact did import data and are using 2007 you may have imported a portion of data covered by the new document rights management. I still use 2003, but have read a little about it.

In any case, I am having trouble understanding why you would not be able to format imported data. If you are able to nav to Right click>Format Cells>Numbers then you do not have the cells locked or unlocked. That is, you may have a protected worksheet or workbook, but this also does not make sense as you should not be able to import to a protected worksheet or work book.

Please provide more detail.

Answer 3

Firstly, what type of data did you important - from what program? Secondly did you really 'import' or did you copy and paste or even Paste Special? It could make a difference. If you actually inserted from another program and it came in in picture format, then you would not be able to format individual cells. Otherwise there shouldnt be a problem. I presume you have tried, not only the quick way or right clicking down to format cells as you have said, or the long way through Menu, format cells? Have you checked that your worksheet is not locked and cells protected? Have you tried detect and repair?

Answer 4

The first two answerers are right, you need to provide a little more info on how you got the data you moved to your workbook. It sounds like the person who created the info that you tried to copy password protected it so that you could not change the format.

You might be able to select and copy the values with a macro and thus possibly by-pass the protection, but that can be a little tricky. I've only had to do that once to copy and change a form.

Answer 5

Not completely sure about this one