XL2000: Two-Digit Year Displayed When You Type a Four-Digit Year (215308)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
This article was previously published under Q215308
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you type a date that includes a four-digit year, Microsoft Excel only displays two digits for the year. This behavior occurs even if the Short date style setting (on the Date tab under Regional Settings in Control Panel) is set to display four-digit years.

CAUSE

This behavior may occur when the cell in which you type the date is formatted with the General number format.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To resolve this problem, add the EnableFourDigitYearDisplay entry to the Windows registry. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. On the Start menu, click Run. In the Open box, type regedit. Click OK.
  2. In the left pane, click the plus signs (+) to the left of the following items (in order):

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER
    Software
    Microsoft
    Office
    9.0
    Excel

  3. In the left pane, click the Options folder.
  4. On the Edit menu, point to New and then click DWORD Value.
  5. Type EnableFourDigitYearDisplay, and then press ENTER.
  6. Double-click the EnableFourDigitYearDisplay icon.
  7. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
This change takes effect the next time that you start Excel.

NOTE: After you enable the EnableFourDigitYearDisplay registry entry, Excel always displays four digits when you type a date that includes a four-digit year. This may override your Short date style setting under Regional Settings in Control Panel.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/6/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB215308
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.