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.
Save Time and Supercharge Excel! Automate virtually any routine task and save yourself hours, days, maybe even weeks. Then, learn how to make Excel do things you thought were simply impossible! Mastering advanced Excel macros has never been easier. Check out Excel 2010 VBA and Macros today!
In Excel you can reference a cell in a formula by entering the coordinates for the cell you want to reference. This can ...
Discover MoreDefined names can be a great boon when working in a worksheet. Usually names are available throughout an entire workbook, ...
Discover MoreDo you want Excel to ignore other applications that may be running on your computer? You can configure the program to do ...
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 © 2019 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