Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Changing Input Conventions.
Roy is from the UK but he works in Italy. There are two major differences in how Excel works on his system in Italy when compared to how his UK system works. One is that commas are used instead of decimal points. The second is that when Roy is working with functions he must enter semicolons between function parameters instead of commas. Both differences are frustrating to him, as he is used to entering decimal points and commas (in functions) without even thinking about it. Roy wonders if there is a way to make the Italian version of Excel function like his copy back in the UK.
A partial solution for the decimal point and separators in numbers can be realized by overriding, within Excel, the symbols used for the decimal point and thousands. Follow these steps:
Figure 1. The advanced options of the Excel Options dialog box.
This will not solve the entire problem, however. The better solution is to leave Excel unchanged and make your configuration changes in Windows itself. Follow these general steps:
You may have to restart Excel for these changes to be fully implemented.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7659) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Changing Input Conventions.
Comprehensive VBA Guide Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the language used for writing macros in all Office programs. This complete guide shows both professionals and novices how to master VBA in order to customize the entire Office suite for their needs. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2010 today!
By using a command-line switch, Excel can be started in safe mode. This means that the program is loaded with bare-bones ...
Discover MoreIt's easy to select non-contiguous ranges using the mouse, but may seem more daunting if you are simply using the ...
Discover MoreThe Personal workbook is a special place used to store information and macros that you can access from all the other ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2014-11-10 05:37:48
2015
Thank you! The commas and dots almost had me pulling my hair out after a new installation of Excel. I changed my Windows settings and all is well again.
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2020 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: 
Comments