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Unable to format negative values in excel using parentheses

Anonymous
2014-10-20T14:09:36+00:00

I recently lost the ability to format negative values in excel using parentheses. (format setting:  number, currency, etc)

After doing some research, it appeared that this might be due to the "region" settings of my computer, but I verified that it is set to US.

I recently upgraded to Yosemite and believe this is related to the issue.

anyone have any guidance to fix this issue?

thanks

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | MacOS

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-20T23:08:24+00:00

    Your right it appears to be a Bug either brought on by the update to Yosemite, or the update to 14.4.5 Office a couple of days before which MS uploaded.

    Go to Excel > Help Menu

    Send feedback

    Tell them exact as here, and if you can send a link to your screen shot. It will definitely put a crimp any one doing accounting because using numbers formatted -($123.55) is required format for CPA's, Government agency's, and Banks.

    __________

    Disclaimer: The opinions & replies are solely mine and mine alone, and do not necessarily reflect upon my position as a Community Moderator.

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  2. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2014-10-24T16:03:37+00:00

    There are several other reports of this problem. Apple will have to fix this. It's already been reported.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2014-10-27T14:35:52+00:00

    I have the same issue and it is annoying.  I hope they fix it asap.  All my spreadsheets now show negative numbers with a negative sign instead of parenthesis, and this only came up after I upgraded to OS Yosemite over the weekend.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-10-27T19:35:32+00:00

    Same issue here.  "Upgraded" to Yosemite on (2) Mac's on and a laptop on 10.26 and no parenthesis for negatives in 100's of excel files today (10.27) on any of them. Reported the issue to an individual at the Microsoft help desk and he was unaware of the problem. Hopefully the fix will come soon.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-10-31T23:53:42+00:00

    I have the same issue, which affected me before applying the Office 2011 service release and after upgrading to Yosemite. I have tried changing regions back and forth, uninstalling and reinstalling office, etc. No luck. I guess I have to wait for Apple...

    I have posted this question on Apple's support forum at this thread.

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