zero value

[wan_gabriel]

I am using Excel 2007 and I need to transfer a certain file into a .csv format as the .csv data will then be loaded onto another system (somehow, the system can only read a .csv format).

Some of the columns has 8 digits number but it has zeroes at the start of the string of numbers and the system must be able to read the zeroes in front. When reformating the numbers, the zeroes appear but when the file is saved and reopen, it defaults back to its original format - where the zeroes disappear. Using ' in front of the zeroes will cause the data to be read incorrectly (so that method is a "no") and changing the "excel" options is also not working.

Am I missing something or it simply cannot be done?

 

[BobUmlas]

a CSV format file cannot hold numbers with leading zeros. So, it simply cannot be done.

 

[mthompso]

Some of the columns has 8 digits number but it has zeroes at the start of the string of numbers and the system must be able to read the zeroes in front.

If there are leading zeros, then this is text, not a number.

You may be looking for a program such as CSVed

CSVed allows you to manipulate any CSV file, separated with any separator. The contents of the CSV file is visible in a list view window that allows you to easily edit, add, insert, delete and move the items, as if they were in a database table. You can delete rows and add columns or rearrange the column order. In addition, you can remove duplicates and repair files or use the built in search features to find specific records. CSVed also offers search and replace, export to XML and more. If you are frequently working with CSV files, this is an extremely handy tool!