Scanning Barcodes into Excel 2007 - Numbers Change 1

[ladyck3]

We are being tasked to use a hand scanner to scan bar codes into an excel spreadsheet... the bar code is for a serial number. The problem is, the number is 18 digits long and the last 4, as an example.... is 8710 but after it scans, it changes to 8000. Even if you manually enter the information it will change.

General Format puts it into some of that 32394839+17 mode.
Number format cause this.
I know there are custom formats to choose from but I've never gotten any explanation as to what all of those different types are such as

#,##0
#,##0.0
#,##0);(#,##0)
#,##0_);[Red](#,##0) etc.

WHAT do these mean???
Or is there some place where these are listed as a reference so I can grab the info for future reference? I don't know what to use for search criteria to locate informaiton on these formats.


I tried using nnnnnn (18 times) and it said to use a built in formula.

HELP!!!

Most Sincerely....


ladyck3
aka: Laurie

 

[SkipVought]

Laurie,

faq68-6659

Before you begin, format the column into which your value will be read, as TEXT.

Bottom line: Your data, albeit numeric characters, is TEXT. Excel THINKS you want NUMBERS, and has to display the NUMBER best it can with its design limitations. You'll NEVER do a lick of arithmetic with a serial number!!! ;-)

Skip,

_{Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE!}

 

[ladyck3]

I completely agree that no calculations will be done using a serial number however, when I change the format to TEXT, the cell truncates the number and adds the +17 at the end, like its scientific number or whatever.

SO, I used a tool that I use often called ASAP Utilities and as initially reported it sort of "rounded" the number ASAP Utilities > Numbers > #4. converting numbers to text adding the apostrophe in front.

I is not even a roundup or round down because it changes 8710 to 8000.

Could it be something to do with the scanner? Its usb but I have no clue about using scanners to see if its a software thing... aren't they plug 'n play? <shrug>.....

I dunno....




ladyck3
aka: Laurie

 

[SkipVought]

The issues is NOT the scanner.

when I change the format to TEXT, the cell truncates the number and adds the +17 at the end, like its scientific number or whatever.

What?

You changed the format to TEXT and THEN scanned in the value?

Or your just changed the format of the value already there? Excel has ALREADY converted to a number WITH LIMITATIONS!!!

START OVER!!!

FORMAT AS TEXT

Do not use data already scanned!!!

Skip,

_{Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE!}

 

[ladyck3]

LOL, we just did that (before I read the response).... and it does work... the cell must be formatted FIRST... I didn't read that into what I read the first time....

Its being a Monday every which way from every day <sigh>

Thanks again Skip... as always.... you are my savior

Laurie

ladyck3
aka: Laurie

 

[SkipVought]

There is but One Savior. I am a humble helper.

You're in the NW Metroplex?

Skip,

_{Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE!}

 

[ladyck3]

NW Metroplex of where?

ladyck3
aka: Laurie

 

[SkipVought]

DFW

Skip,

_{Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE!}

 

[ladyck3]

NE Metroplex (DFW)
That's me

You may be a humble helper but you saved my butt COUNTLESS numbers of times

***I*** APPRECIATE ***YOU***

ladyck3
aka: Laurie

 

[ladyck3]

oops I spoke incorrectly....

You have SAVIORED my butt COUNTLESS numbers of times...
Now granted, it a BIG JOB!!! But you are always at the ready and with a life perserver! THANK YOU!!!!


ladyck3
aka: Laurie