default date format

[brannoncpa]

In a new worksheet, I enter the following inputs:
Input # 1: 08/26/08 and see 8/26/2008
Input # 2 (in a different cell): 08/26 and see Aug-26
Input # 3 (in the same cell as #2 because I didn't like the result I saw): 08/26/08 and I still see Aug-26



Question: The desired result I would like to see in all three cases is: 8/26/2008
Would someone please explain:
1) How do I set the default date to automatically assume current year if I merely enter 08/26 ?
2) Why entering 08/26 is such a grievous sin that I should so horribly point Excel in the wrong direction <forever> - or at least until I reformat that cell?



System info: Windows XP Pro & Office 2003
Regional Settings: short date format M/d/yyyy

Thank you so much.

 

[brannoncpa]

Thank you for your help. I was afraid that was the case. When I had Excel 2000 I think it was possible to do that. Maybe I'll have to revert back to that version.

Thanks again for your help!!