Excel question about converting data

Question

I am working on a spreadsheet of data exported from a database. There is an inconsistency with the output that seems to be related to Excel. In the example below, most of the #NAME? - the data is =+DRUSEN. I thought it might be because the field did not contain a comma, but other fields do include a comma and are showing the #NAME? Can someone please help.

Answer 1

Hi Jennifer Tucker

Thank you for reaching out, and I understand how confusing it can be to encounter unexpected errors like this in your spreadsheet.

According to my research, the #NAME? error in Excel typically appears when Excel attempts to evaluate a formula that contains an unrecognized function, named range, or syntax.

Excel is interpreting values like =+DRUSEN or =+DRUSEN,+SRH as formulas. Since DRUSEN and SRH aren’t recognized functions or names, Excel returns a #NAME? error.

After testing, here are a few practical steps that may help resolve the issue:

• Format cells as Text: Before entering or pasting the data, select the desired range > right-click > Format Cells > select Text. This ensures Excel treats any entries, especially those starting with symbols like (=) as plain text rather than formulas.
• Use an apostrophe to force text: Add a single quote (') before the entry (e.g., '+DRUSEN). This tells Excel to treat the value as plain text rather than a formula. The apostrophe will not be visible once entered; Excel will display it simply as +DRUSEN

Remove leading formula symbols like (=) or (=+) to avoid formula syntax, leaving the raw values intact.

If the issue persists, you should provide:

• A specific example of a cell that is showing the #NAME? error
• A nearby cell with a similar format that isn't causing the error

While I don’t have direct access to your device, this detail will help us identify whether the issue is related to formatting, hidden characters, or how Excel is interpreting specific cell entries. 

I'm looking forward to seeing your response soon.

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Answer 2

Other option: Add an apostrophe in front of the text. Excel recognize it as text marker and don't show it up.

'