Excel: Converting Date Fields from SYLK Files to FileMaker

Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
Article ID: Q60476

SUMMARY

When a Microsoft Excel SYLK file with a date field is imported into FileMaker version 1.0, the following message appears: "Some values that were put into date fields could not be recognized as dates." The result of this is that the dates appear in FileMaker in serial number format.

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods:

Method 1

In Excel, save the file as Text instead of SYLK. FileMaker will then be able to convert incoming dates into a date format instead of a serial number format.

Method 2

In FileMaker, use the DATE() function to create a new calculated field based on the field containing the Excel dates.

For example, if the field containing the Excel dates is named "Excel", create a new field containing the formula "=DATE(1,1,1904)+Excel" (without quotation marks). Then change the field "Excel" into a number field by choosing Define from the Select menu and clicking Number. This new field will display the serial number from the field "Excel" in an actual date format.

KBCategory: kbother
KBSubcategory:
Additional reference words: noupd

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.