XL98: Bypassing the Text Import Wizard When You Import Files

ID: Q191181

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SUMMARY

When you import text files into Microsoft Excel, the Text Import Wizard may automatically appear and display the first line as shown using the default parse line. You can bypass the Text Import Wizard and accept the defaults by holding down the SHIFT key when you open the file.

MORE INFORMATION

If the files you import into Microsoft Excel are always parsed correctly when you open them, you may not want to display the Text Import Wizard during the import process. To keep the Text Import Wizard dialog box from appearing when you import a file, follow these steps:

On the File menu, click Open.

Locate and select the file you want from the list.

Hold down the SHIFT key and click Open.

This technique is especially helpful when used with files such as tab- delimited text files.

NOTE: The Text Import Wizard is not displayed when you open text files with a .CSV extension (comma-separated value files). Instead, the text file is parsed into separate columns using commas as delimiters. If you want the Text Import Wizard to be displayed for files with a .CSV extension, rename the text file so that its file name extension is .txt.

REFERENCES

For more information about opening text files, click the Office Assistant, type "opening text files," click Search, and then click to view "Troubleshoot converting file formats."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q179216 OFF98: How to Use the Microsoft Office Installer Program

Additional query words: XL98

Keywords : kbdta kbconversion xlloadsave xlwiz
Version : MACINTOSH:98
Platform : MACINTOSH
Issue type : kbhowto