Learn how to parse data in Microsoft Excel easily using our step-by-step guide.

Importing data into Excel from other sources can result in long, messy strings of text you need to parse. We'll show you how.

But buyer beware, not all commercial data is of good quality. Ask questions about how the data is obtained and managed, and investigate some samples before you plunk down a lot of money to any vendor.

How to use Analyze Data to get quick information about your data in Excel Your email has been sent Image: Aajan/iStock/Getty Images Plus Must-read Windows coverage CrowdStrike Outage Disrupts ...