Ok I have figured it out ... thanks nonetheless.

Ok I am using Excel 2000.  Here is my problem.  I have a large text based
database that is divided with Tabs.  When I open the document in Excel,
however, though I am able to highlight the text as though it were in
columns - which I want to do in order manipulate the text, I cannot actually
paste the selected.  Rather everything gets copied even when only a certain
amount is chosen.  Now I know that the columns are actually all in cell A1 -
but when loaded initially, I can select columns as though it were more than
the one large Text cell.  My questions is, is there anyway to actually make
the text divide into the cells that I can see, but cannot manipulate?  I
know this is hard to explain, so I will try this:

I have a list:

House        1            3
House        2            4
House        3            5

In Word these are separated by tabs, and thus I cannot actually choose a
column.  In Excel, however, I can select the House column as a-c, 1-3 as
columns d-e, and 3-5 f-g.  But they cannot be pasted as such, since they are
really on cell A1.  Is there anyway to force a separation that Excel has
represented as cells?  I really hope this is clear and thanks for any
assistance.

have a look at text to columns which is under the Data men

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