Hidden tilde in data - Need to see and remove

Posted by Matt on December 20, 2001 11:02 AM

I have a problem with data that is exported from SQL2000 into an excel format. The problem is that all the data has a tilde in front of it. I have taken this data to a few other computers and they do not see the tilde. It wouldn't be a problem, but the numbers in the data are recognized as characters because of the tilde regardless if they can see it or not.

I can fix the cells I need to be numbers by using 'paste special' and selecting value and multiply, or I can slect each cell individually, edit the data by going to its beginning and hitting backspace.

Anyone have any ideas on this?

Thanks,

Matt

Posted by IML on December 20, 2001 11:57 AM

You could try text to columns under the data menu for that column. Set the delimter to other and type a tilde in the box. This may work pretty easily if they all begin with the tidle as you say.

Posted by Matt on December 20, 2001 12:23 PM

Thanks, that is a faster way to change it instead of the multiplier. Any idea why the data has this or why it cannot be seen on most of our machines? I would prefer to fix the problem at the source if possible, but at least I can do a quick fix now.

Matt

Posted by IML on December 20, 2001 3:05 PM

Sorry, I have no idea on the "why" (NT)

that is a faster way to change it instead of the multiplier. Any idea why the data has this or why it cannot be seen on most of our machines? I would prefer to fix the problem at the source if possible, but at least I can do a quick fix now.