Format Method - how do I stop a cell turning into a date?

[ChrisMattock]

Right, sorry this is probably a simple one but I can't do it... I have information in a variable that is "1-4" the variable is defined as a String but whenever I use the following code excel turns it into a date.

Cells(CrtTaskLn, 9) = Area

I tried this... amoungst other things...

Cells(CrtTaskLn, 9) = Format(Area, "@")

Can't seem to get anything to work, bugging the hell outta me! Appreciate any tips.

EDIT:
Additionally I need a custom number format that works like 0.##, i.e. displays up to 2 decimal places, but I don't want the decimal point visible if the zeroes aren't present - i.e. that currently displays "1" as "1."