> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.ventla.io/kb/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.ventla.io/kb/troubleshooting/ms-excel-data-formatting-issues.md).

# MS Excel Data Formatting Issues

<figure><img src="/files/oqsAdKixhQQbSQx5jBlM" alt="" width="553"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When you input date and time data into MS Excel, there may be formatting specifications that can be mistranslated when uploaded into Ventla.

A common error can be seen in the example of "My Information" above.&#x20;

To fix this error, you will need to format your MS Excel column to the "Text" category.&#x20;

## Resolve the auto-formatting

1. Select the column or cells where you'll be entering data.
2. Right-click and choose "Format Cells."
3. Under category to the left, select "Text."
4. Click "OK."

Going forward, Excel will treat the data as text and will no longer auto-format it as a date.&#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %}
You will need to format the cells before entering your data.  If you already have data entered in the template, we recommend:&#x20;

* Open a fresh copy of the template
* Format the cells below the headings to "Text"
* Copy and paste the data from your original template into this new version
  {% endhint %}

Have questions or need additional help? [Contact us](/kb/connect/contact-us.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://support.ventla.io/kb/troubleshooting/ms-excel-data-formatting-issues.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.