Serious date formating problem when retrieving with database

[nexus1988]

Hi all,

I retrieved a data from Database and I have DATE field. Excel retrieved it as STRING, even if I'm changing the formatting to date it doesn't change!
the only solution I have found is to use DATEVALUE function or simply do +0 to the field, both of these are not good for me. I must excel to understand it with formatting.

my main need is to use MIN function. for now i get 0 because it STRING.

excel problem.jpg

Thanks!

[vlady]

welcome to the forum, if possible uploadinga real workbook is much helpful instead of picture so others could also look at it.
Try using the DATA->TEXT-to-COLUMN-DELIMETED-..->date)choose).

[Fotis1991]

Hi

I have 2 suggestions.

1) Did you looked at TEXT to Columns option?

2)Nice picture but noone can work on a picture. So,pls upload a sample workbook.

[nexus1988]

Yeah I know but i can't upload it, i need it for my work and it contains a sensitive information...

what you suggested works but what i need to do is to build a pivot chart (and then in values use MIN function) by directly connecting it to the Database and not to other sheet that has the imported information that is manipulated.
Is there a way for excel to understand it?