separate data from one column into two

[Lauren]

How can I fix the mistake that was made before me in set
up of a list that contains contact names entered into ONE
field as "lastname, first name" and what I really need is
that data separated into TWO columns containing last name
separated from first?

 

[Ken Wright]

Make sure you have an empty column to the right to take the data and then select all the data
concerned and do Data / Text To Columns / Delimited and tick the comma box if you have a comma
between each entry. Then hit OK till you are out.

 

[Rekoj]

Lauren,

The easiest method is to use Text To Columns.

If your data is consistently listed as Lastname,
Firstname, it will work

Example of this would be:
Smith, Joe
Jones, Harry

You will want to do the following:
1) Insert a column to the right of the column of values
that you want to parse
2) Highlight the cells that you want to separate
3) Go to Data-Text To Columns
4) Choose to Use a Delimiter
5) Choose a Comma as a delimiter
6) Hit the Finish Button

Let me know if you have any questions

Rekoj

 

[Gord Dibben]

Lauren

Dat>Text to Columns>Delimited by comma or space depending on your format.

Gord Dibben Excel MVP - XL97 SR2 & XL2002

 

[Alan Beban]

You got one answer for using "Text to Columns" with a space as
delimiter, and another with comma as delimiter; in fact you need to
check both or you'll end up with a comma after the last name or a
leading space before the first name.

Alan Beban