Tabs in imported text - need to remove or replace 1

[VEBill]

The spreadsheet that I'm working with has some embedded tabs within the text throughout the entire file. These tabs are causing problems (*) with editing and they need to be removed (replacing the embedded tabs each with a space would be nice).

Anyone have any suggestions as to how to Find and Replace an embedded tab character?

Thanks.

Windows XP with Excel 2000 version 9.0.3821 SR-1

(* The editing problems include the cursor position being offset from its actual position in the text by about 1cm for each invisible tab in the text entry box.)

 

[pmover]

excel is really not designed for editing text and not knowing how much text is involved . . .

a suggestion . . .
perhaps copying the text into a word document and then executing the find and replace features of word will expeditously remove unwanted text. finally, copying back into excel.

another suggestion, try the trim, clean, or replace functions within excel.

good luck!
-pmover

 

[VEBill]

Removing hidden tabs from text in Microsoft Excel files:

I've confirmed that the CLEAN function removes those stubborn and annoying hidden MS Excel tabs.

In detail, I made a new column of text using the formula =CLEAN(TRIM(<ref>)) and then carefully pasted (paste special) the 'Value', not the formula, of the new column back over top the old tab-infested column.

The TRIM sorted out the extra spaces at the same time.

Works perfectly.

Many thanks.