Change the default date format

Caution  This procedure changes the way two-digit years are interpreted for all the Microsoft Windows programs that you have installed.

1. On the Windows Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double click the Regional Settings or Regional Options icon.
3. In the When a two-digit year is entered, interpret as a year between box, change the upper limit for the century.

   As you change the upper-limit year, the lower-limit year automatically changes.

When you change the default date format to a different format by using this procedure, the display of dates that were previously entered in your workbook will change to the new format as long as the dates haven't been formatted by using the Cells command (Format menu).

1. On the Microsoft Windows Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double click the Regional Settings or Regional Options icon.
3. In the Short date format list, click a format that uses four digits for the year ("yyyy").