Convert xls to csv

**Tyler756** · 11-27-2009, 06:49 PM

I am trying to save a file from xls to csv. One of my columns in the xls file is filled with numbers separated by commas but is saves as a text. Whenever I save the file as a csv it converts the numbers saved as a text to be saved as numbers so it screws my commas up and therefor messes up the entire file. How can I fix this?

**protonLeah** · 11-27-2009, 09:27 PM

Please post an example file so I don't have to guess. Just column 1 is ok...

**Tyler756** · 11-28-2009, 02:24 AM

Here is the sample. I need it to look exactly how it does in the xls file in the csv file. Whenever i try and save it as a csv file and then close and re-open it, it converts it to "numbers" instead of "text"

**protonLeah** · 11-28-2009, 03:59 AM

Instead of "opening" the CSV file with Excel, you need to start Excel with a blank sheet then import the CSV file as text using the Get External Data option of the Data Menu.

**Tyler756** · 11-28-2009, 01:35 PM

I have the newest version of excel. Can you walk me through how to do it on this version? i saved the file as a xls originally because I needed to send it out via email. I cannot seem to find "get external data" in the data menu

**Tyler756** · 11-28-2009, 01:41 PM

actually I think I got it but when it gets uploaded there is " " around the numbers. Is there any way to get rid of the " "? I have about 4000 rows, otherwise I would just do it myself by hand.