Question for Excel Users

[TerriP]

I have imported a data file into Excel and I'm having a problem that I hope someone else can help me solve. The first cell (column A) is filled with last names. For some reason either Excel or the program I exported from put five blank spaces before the name. So it looks like this:

Smith
Jones
Disney

Instead of this:

Smith
Jones
Disney

Does anyone know how to go in and get rid of those spaces without going cell by cell? I tried to do a "Find and Replace", but I don't know how to indicate that I want to replace blank spaces with...well, with what? I want the words to move over five spaces to the left and begin at the beginning of the cell.

Any suggestions???

 

[KM2004]

There might be a left indent in the names that you imported.

To check, click on one of the names
Format
Cells
Alignment
If it says in the Horizontal category, "left indent", then change it to general.

It should move all the way to the left.

You can highlight the whole column and do this.

(Only if the problem is due to indenting)

You can PM me to discuss further

 

[Bob Slydell]

USe the TRIM function. Add a column next to the last names, then use the formula =TRIM(A1). It will get rid of all spaces except for spaces between words.

 

[monkeyboy]

Originally posted by Bob Slydell
USe the TRIM function.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Originally posted by monkeyboy

 

[mickeyfan1]

Originally posted by Bob Slydell
USe the TRIM function.

Who knew?

 

[TerriP]

YAY!!! Bob's idea worked! You have saved me a TON of time, Bob...thank you so much!!

Thanks to you too, Kevin, for your offer to look at the file for me. I really appreciate it!

See why it's important to have access to the DIS while at work????

 

[Bob Slydell]

No problem -- glad that solved your issue.

 

[Loubon]

Originally posted by Bob Slydell
USe the TRIM function.

I think he's used that answer for some other questions as well.....

 

[Bob Slydell]

Originally posted by Loubon
I think he's used that answer for some other questions as well.....