Data type issue, Alpha numeric column is loaded data type whole number

[Rajkts]

Hi

I am Power query beginner, when I am loading data set by combining data from multiple file and loading it to Power query, one specific column with alpha numeric values get converted to whole numbers. And all those cell with alpha numeric values are got converted as “Error” and this rows are not loaded to the data module.

Example : - 

Column 1             Column 2

12345                    9876

23456                    A123

34567                    8765

45678                    A234

After loading it convert as below

Column 1             Column 2

12345                    9876

23456                    Error

34567                    8765

45678                    Error

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

when you import data Power Query does it's best to set the data types for you. So probably in your case it "Sees" a whole bunch of whole #'s and assumes the whole column is that, and sets the column as such. Which is why your alphanumeric fields are now errors.

Simple fix. After you import you will see a "Changed Type" step in the applied steps. Delete that out, then you can set that column to text. Be sure to set your other data types as well since deleting that step removes the data typing from all the columns.