Leading Zeros Truncated in CSV Files

 

Problem:

Solution:

1. Change the CSV file to a TXT file:
   1. Replace the CSV extension with TXT.
   2. In Excel, go to File > Open.
   3. Change File of Type to All.
   4. Go through the three-step wizard and, in step three, select the column of data and import it as a text field.

      Excel no longer strips the leading zeroes.

2. If the fields with leading zeroes all have the same number of characters:
   1. Select all the cells with leading zeroes.
   2. Go to Format > Cells > Custom.
   3. In the format box, type the number format for the field, using zeroes.

      For example: If the fields should all have three characters, including leading zeroes, type 000 as the format.

3. If the fields with leading zeroes all have the same number of characters:
   1. In a new column, duplicate the field and format it with the correct formatting.

      For example: If the field is A1 and fields should all have three characters, type =TEXT(A1,"000") in the new field.

   2. Copy the new field.
   3. Choose Paste Special... > Values to paste the new value over the old field.
   4. Delete the new field.