Dates won't group in a pivot table

[dianemarie]

I sometimes get the "cannot group that selection" message when trying to group dates in an Excel (2002) pivot table when using data from an external datasource. Why? Is there any way to get around it? Thanks for any help.

 

[cookiespin]

We've run into similar problems in the past. Is the time included with date, but not visible as the date column is formatted?
A workaround we've used for some numeric columns that don't behave as expected is to multiply each cell in the column by 1. It's a few extra steps, but not very time consuming if you are in a hurry or run out of ideas to trouble-shoot the root cause.

 

[KenWright]

If there are any blank records or any inadvertant textual data in the date field in any of the records then it will not allow you to group the data.

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[SkipVought]

Here's the rub.

You will need to...

1) correct your source data as has already been suggested to correct any row that does not contain a date.

2) refresh the PT

3) edit the PT date field and UNCHECK the offending data elements

4) refresh the PT

5) continue to Group & Outline.

Skip,

_{[red]Be advised:[/red]When Viscounts were guillotined just as they were disclosing where their jewels were hidden, it shows to go that you should...
Never hatchet your Counts before they chicken!}