XL2000: Negative Symbol Not the Same As Windows Regional Settings (213964)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
This article was previously published under Q213964

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, the negative symbol appears as a minus sign regardless of the Regional Settings in Control Panel.

WORKAROUND

To control the appearance of negative numbers in Microsoft Excel, use a custom number format. For example, use the following custom number format:

#,##0;"*"#,##0

NOTE: The format code #,##0 is used as an example. You can use any valid number format as long as the character you want is enclosed in quotation marks at the beginning of the second portion (after the semicolon) of the custom format.

To create a custom number format, follow these steps:
  1. Right-click a cell. On the shortcut menu, click Format Cells.
  2. Click the Numbers tab, and then select the Custom category.
  3. In the Type box, type the character you want to use as the negative sign.

    For example, if you want negative numbers to be preceded by an asterisk (*) rather by a minus sign (-), enter the following custom number format:

    #,##0;"*"#,##0

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

REFERENCES

For more information about how to create custom number formats, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type create a custom number format in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/27/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB213964
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