ANS-1871 · CSV IMPORT & DATA MIGRATION

How to Prevent Excel from Reformatting CSV Data on Import

Learn the precise method to import CSV files into Excel, ensuring that leading zeros, credit card numbers, and other critical data formats are preserved.

AreaCSV Import & Data MigrationAudienceNetSuite administratorDifficultyBeginner

Short answer

To prevent Excel from automatically reformatting CSV data, use the Text Import Wizard. Open a new Excel sheet, navigate to the Data tab, and use 'From Text (Legacy)' or a similar option. Configure the wizard to treat all columns as 'Text' format, ensuring data like leading zeros and credit card numbers are preserved accurately.

Scenario

When opening CSV files directly in Excel, users often encounter automatic data reformatting. This can lead to critical data loss, such as leading zeros being removed from numerical values or credit card numbers being converted into scientific notation, compromising data integrity.

Solution

To prevent Excel from reformatting data when importing a CSV file, follow these steps:

  1. Open a new, blank Excel workbook.

  2. Navigate to the Data tab in the Excel ribbon. In the Get & Transform Data section, select From Text/CSV or, to access the legacy Text Import Wizard, look for From Text (Legacy). (Note: Accessing From Text (Legacy) may require enabling 'Show legacy data import wizards' in Excel Options, depending on your Excel version.)

  3. Browse to and select your CSV file, then click Import.

  4. If the Text Import Wizard opens (typically from From Text (Legacy)):

    • At Step 1, choose Delimited and click Next.
    • At Step 2, ensure only Comma is checked as a delimiter, and uncheck any other options. Click Next.
    • At Step 3, select all columns in the Data Preview window. To do this, click on the first column, then hold Shift and click on the last column. All columns should now be highlighted.
    • With all columns selected, choose Text as the Column data format.
    • Click Finish to import your data, preserving its original format.
Originally answered August 21, 2017Verified July 5, 2026

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