Need Number as Text Error

[seanlmns]

I'm currently trying to import an excel file into a database program. The zip code section needs to be formatted as text, but obviously they're just five digit numbers.

As ridiculous as it sounds, the program will only accept the zip code if excel recognizes it as a number stored as text (the green arrow in the corner). If there's no green arrow in excel, the program will not accept that value, even though it's still a number saved as text. Any reason why?

I can make the green arrow appear if i manually type the zip code into the box, but unfortunately, there's 50,000 people in the list so I have to copy and paste the zips. However, when I paste, it won't find it as an error. I've tried pasting special, to only paste the values, but it still doesn't come up. Any way that I could try to make it find the error?

Thanks,
Sean

[alansidman]

What happens if you format it special "Zip Code"?

[seanlmns]

Doesn't make a difference. This stupid program will not import a zip number without this error. Is there a way to have Excel treat pasted values like values that are entered manually?

[seanlmns]

Doesn't make a difference. This stupid program will not import a zip number without this error. Is there a way to have Excel treat pasted values like values that are entered manually?

[hoyasaxa215]

If zips are in A1, in B1 type =text(A1,"#####") and then copy down. Then select the whole column and copy and paste values AND number formats. The green text error should appear.

[seanlmns]

Thanks so much!!!!