Change the default date format

By default, as you enter dates in a workbook, the dates are formatted to display two-digit years.

Change the way two-digit years are interpreted

Caution   This procedure changes the way two-digit years are interpreted for all the Microsoft Windows programs that you have installed.

  1. On the Windows Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double click the Regional Settings or Regional Options icon.
  3. In the When a two-digit year is entered, interpret as a year between box, change the upper limit for the century.

    As you change the upper-limit year, the lower-limit year automatically changes.

Note   If you are using Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 or earlier and you are part of a workgroup, see your system administrator if you want to change the way two-digit years are interpreted. For information about how to customize date interpretation, see the Microsoft Office XP Resource Kit.

How to obtain the Microsoft Office XP Resource Kit

The Microsoft Office XP Resource Kit is the definitive guide to installing, configuring, and supporting Microsoft Office in your organization. Designed for system administrators, consultants, and power users, this guide offers complete coverage whether you're running Microsoft Office on Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000, or the Macintosh.

You can obtain the Office Resource Kit wherever computer books are sold or order direct from Microsoft Press, or online at the Microsoft Office Resource Kit Web site.

To locate your nearest source for Microsoft Press products worldwide, visit the Microsoft Press Web site or contact your local Microsoft office. In the United States, call (800) MS-PRESS. In Canada, call (800) 667-1115.

Note   The hyperlinks in this topic go to the Web. You can switch back to Help at any time.

Change the default date format to display four-digit years

When you change the default date format to a different format by using this procedure, the display of dates that were previously entered in your workbook will change to the new format as long as the dates haven't been formatted by using the Cells command (Format menu).

  1. On the Microsoft Windows Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double click the Regional Settings or Regional Options icon.
  3. In the Short date format list, click a format that uses four digits for the year ("yyyy").