Step-by-Step Guide to Enable and Utilize the Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control

Key Notes

  • Enabling Date and Time Picker Control enhances ease of data entry in Microsoft 365 apps.
  • The feature is only available in 32-bit versions of Microsoft Office.
  • Alternatives are available if you are using a 64-bit version.

Unlocking the Power of Date and Time Selection in Microsoft 365

The Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control is an essential tool for anyone requiring efficient date and time management in Microsoft 365 apps like Excel and Word. This guide will demonstrate how to enable this feature along with alternative solutions if it is unavailable.

Understanding the Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control

The Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control is an ActiveX Control designed for compatible Microsoft 365 applications, providing a seamless method for entering dates and times. Users can effortlessly choose dates without struggling with formatting issues, allowing selections in both MM-DD-YYYY and DD-MM-YYYY formats.

Functionality is powered by the MSCOMCTL. OCX file and Visual Basic 6.0, ensuring that users have a glitch-free experience.

Prerequisites for Using Date and Time Picker Control

Currently, this ActiveX Control is exclusively available for 32-bit installations of Microsoft 365 and Office desktop applications. Users of 64-bit versions may face activation difficulties. In such cases, registration of the MSCOMCT2. OCX file in Office applications is necessary.

How to Register the MSCOMCT2. OCX Service

To activate the MSCOMCT2. OCX, ensure you are logged in with administrative privileges on your Windows PC.

  1. Navigate to the Windows installation drive and search for: MSCOMCT2. OCX
  2. Once located, right-click on the file and select Open file location.
  3. Press Windows + R to bring up the Run dialog.
  4. Type the command cmd admin and press Enter.
  5. In the Command Prompt, execute the following: C:\Windows\System32\regsvr32.exe mscomct2.ocx
  6. Confirm successful registration by running: regsvr32 -u MSCOMCT2. OCX. A success message will appear, verifying the activation.

Steps to Enable Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control

With the MSCOMCT2. OCX successfully activated, follow these steps in Excel to get the Date and Time Picker Control:

  1. Open Excel and navigate to the File tab.
  2. Select the Options at the bottom.
  3. In the Excel Options menu, click on Customize Ribbon.
  4. Check the box next to the Developer tab.
  5. Click OK to apply the changes.
  6. Now, click on the Developer tab on the Ribbon.
  7. In the Controls group, click Insert and select More Controls.
  8. From the list, find Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 (SP6) and click OK.
  9. Next, click on any cell to trigger the date and time picker.

Alternatives to Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control

For users unable to enable the Date and Time Picker Control, consider the following alternatives:

Utilizing Third-Party Add-Ins

The Mini Calendar and Date Picker from the Office Add-ins Store offers similar functionality:

  1. Open Excel and select the Developer tab.
  2. Choose Add-ins, then click on the Store tab.
  3. Enter Mini in the search field and select the Mini Calendar and Date Picker.
  4. Click Add and follow the installation prompts.

Post-installation, click on the desired cell to open the date and time picker. You can customize the calendar size, theme, and system preferences through the menu options.

Summary

This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of how to enable the Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control in Excel and other compatible Microsoft Office applications. Remember, ensure you are using a 32-bit version of Microsoft 365 to access this feature, or choose available alternatives if you’re on a 64-bit version.

Conclusion

Empower your scheduling tasks with the Date and Time Picker Control for a smoother data entry experience in Microsoft 365. If you encounter difficulties or have alternative methods, feel free to share your insights in the comments!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is the Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control available for Office Online?

No, the Date and Time Picker Control is not available in the Office Online version of Excel or Word.

What should I do if MSCOMCT2. OCX returns an error?

Ensure that you are using a compatible version of Office and try re-registering the file following the instructions provided in this guide.