Not a Valid Number

Problem

'not a valid number' message when closing any dialog box that includes dates or numbers, while using MacNail construction estimating software or construction accounting software

Diagnosis

have them retype all the #'s carefully, watching for the problems mentioned below. Ask them NOT to use commas or $ in number for simplicity. Enter dates in month/day/year format, e.g. 5/10/95
if that doesn't work, have them totally delete #s one at a time and hit OK-- when they've erased the offending non-number, you've found the culprit

Solution

watch for:
• letter O instead of zero, or letter I or lowercase L instead of one
• backslashes \ not slashes / in dates (slash is under the ? on the keyboard)
• more than one decimal point

Comments

NOTE: Excel considers dates to be numbers. It accepts many date formats, but 5/10/95 is safest

Entered 5/10/95 by Dennis.