Cells with numbers appear blank in formulas

[Grant18]

Hi there,

I have been trying to import CSV files into Excel on my new computer. I previously had a windows 7 system with office 2007. I have now moved across to a windows 8 system with office 2013. The problem I am faced with is the CSV files which I imported without problems on my old system don't seem to work on the new one. The excel spreadsheet shows the numbers, but when I try and use any formula, the cell comes up with 0, as if there is nothing in the cell. When using my old system, it shows that it is a picture that needs to be converted to text, but I cannot find out how to sort this out in Windows 8. I have even tried various versions of office, 2007, and 2010 on the windows 8 system with the same problem. I have tried all the things I have found online, checking the regional settings and those type of things. Does anyone have any idea?

Thank you so much.

[Kaper]

1) select all cells (and few extra) and use format "General"
2) in empty cell write 1
3) copy it
4) select all cells
5) paste special with multiplying (display dialog for paste special and select "multiply")

[Grant18]

Thank Kaper for the help, I have tried that but it still comes up with a zero value when I sum a few of the cells. The cells are already in general format.

[Kaper]

Unfortunately (or may be it is good? :-P) I cannot log into your computer and see the file.
So visit http://www.excelforum.com/forum-rule...rum-rules.html and focus on suggestions on posting workbook.
By no means whole real workbook, and no delicate data please - a small sample (one worksheet, just several cells and formula which is not working) is enough.

[newdoverman]

What exactly is the process that you are using to import the CSV file? Are you opening the file from File Open, or are you using the import that is on the Data tab?

[Grant18]

Kaper: Sorry for the delay in responding to you, thank you once again for your help.

I think not being able to access my computer is a good thing! I have uploaded a file with the some data and with all the things you previously suggested performed on it. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Newdoverman: I have tried both ways, now I go through the data tab and import from text, and choose delimited, and then choose by comma. Is there a better way of importing a CSV file?

Thank you so much

[Kaper]

If I open it in my computer, and change cell formatting from right adjusted to General I can see only numbers without decimal places remain right formatted (are real numbers). Numbers with decimal separator are recognized as text (are left adjusted).
May be after

data tab and import from text, and choose delimited, and then choose by comma.

don't push "Finish" (Or OK or whatever it is in your version) button but "Next" and on the next page of import from text creator select Advanced and make sure proper decimal and thousand separators are used.

May be there is a difference between local settings in configuration of present and previous computers. As here, in Poland, decimal separator is coma (not dot) for me it worked just fine Ctrl+H and replace all . into ,).
But ... try playing with the Advanced and decimal/thousands separator.

[Grant18]

Thank you so much Kaper! The advanced settings before clicking finish worked! You have saved me a lot of trouble! Thank you so so much!

[newdoverman]

Most CSV files that I have had to use in Excel were ones that I used the File, Open chose CSV as the file type and the file immediately loaded into Excel in a useable form without having to use Text to columns.

I must admit that I have never had a problem like you describe loading a CSV file into Excel. Which leads me to believe that the CSV file was not properly created in the first place.

[Grant18]

I agree I have never really had issue with CSV files like this either, but this is a new instrument we have just recieved and thats the only output I can get, but I am glad it's been figured, thanks for all your help!

[newdoverman]

If you could upload a small sample of the CSV file, perhaps the problem and solution will come to light.