How do I get Excel data to paste properly into Access?

Question

I have an SQL back-end. The data type(s) I've tried are VarChar(255) and NVarChar . Neither of which seem to work.

The problem is when I paste into the Columns into Access every part number that has a - in it does not paste and the records are blank. All of the other part numbers populate just fine.

Example

Part Number 100005 = pastes fine
Part Number 10005-5 = does not paste at all

Am I missing something here? Is there a setting I need to toggle somewhere? I thought VarChar(255) would do the trick.

Answer 1

Try putting a ' character before the part values, to tell Excel to treat that value as Text - ie double click to enter the cell, put a ' before the value, then hit enter. Then copy and paste the value into Access.