Control Date Entry Format

[kcid]

I have a person working for me that no matter how many times I tell her she must enter a date as "x/x/xxx", she insists on typing out the month name, "Jan or January".

Since this date is inserted as part of a script, I would like a way to filter what ever she types, to match what everyone else types.

It seems simple, but I just can't find it. I spent yesterday looking and experimenting, but no go.

Just point me, and I will try and find my way.

Note: I have used the drop down calendar, but she would rather type. I can't fire her (my girlfriend's sister), but I am at the point I am considering looking for a new girlfriend.

[comment]

Since this date is inserted as part of a script

I presume you mean within a custom message? What's your date format ("x/x/xxx" is not very telling) and what exactly does she enter?

I am considering looking for a new girlfriend.

Try the Services Wanted section?

[kcid]

That is really my big problem. She isn't consistent. Sometimes where I would like to see 9/17/2010, she will write September 9, 2010, or Sept. 17, 2010.

The message says enter the date as x/xx/xxxx, but for whatever reason, she just doesn't remember. sound of head banging wall>

I just need to have it return the correct format, no matter what she does. Or should I just give up. (I am going to miss my girlfriend) I am checking Match.com as we speak.

[comment]

Well, one way to handle this would be to have her enter the data directly into a date field (NOT through a custom dialog). Then she'll get a nasty message if she tries to enter a text date.

If you prefer to auto-correct the entry, there must be at least SOME consistency - though I believe both your examples could be handled by:

Date (

Ceiling ( Position ( "janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec" ; Left ( entry ; 3 ) ; 1 ; 1 ) / 3 ) ;

MiddleWords ( entry ; 2 ; 1 ) ;

RightWords ( entry ; 1 )

)

[kcid]

I am constantly blown away by your solutions.

Just when I think I am getting pretty good at this, I run into someone with skills I can't even fathom. I have seen "Ceiling" and "Position" functions, but would never have thought to use them together like that.

Wow, simply, WOW!

[comment]

Thanks, but I can't really take the credit for this one:

http://fmforums.com/forum/showpost.php?post/119638/

All I did was to change it to use the Ceiling() function which wasn't available back then.