Excel's default behavior is to treat numbers starting with 0 as a date format. Here's how to turn this off and allow you to enter numbers starting with 0:

1. Format the Cell as Text:

* Select the cell(s): Click on the cell(s) where you want to enter numbers starting with 0.

* Format Cells: Go to the "Home" tab, then in the "Number" group, click on the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the "Number" box.

* Select "Text": In the "Format Cells" window, select the "Text" category.

* Click OK: The selected cells are now formatted as text.

2. Use an Apostrophe (') at the Beginning:

* Enter the Apostrophe: Before typing your number, type an apostrophe (') in the cell.

* Type the number: Now type your number, starting with 0. For example: '01234

Important Considerations:

* Calculations: Numbers formatted as text cannot be used in calculations directly. You'll need to convert them back to numbers if you need to perform mathematical operations.

* Trailing Zeros: If you format the cell as "Text", Excel will not display trailing zeros after the decimal point.

Example:

If you want to enter the number "01234" in cell A1, follow these steps:

1. Select cell A1.

2. Format it as "Text" (using the steps above).

3. Type '01234 in the cell.

Now the cell will display the number "01234" correctly.