proc export dmbs=xls strange sheet name

[Richardvan_tHoff]

I use proc export in SAS EG (9.3 windows server side) to create a xls file.

The strange thing is if I use a sheet name that starts with a number, the first number is replaced with _.

Why is the first number replaced with a _.

DATA work.test;

  a=1;

  b=2;

  c=3;

  output;

  a=3;

  b=2;

  c=1;

RUN;

  PROC EXPORT DATA=work.test

    OUTFILE="test.xls"

    DBMS=XLS

    REPLACE;

    SHEET="123";

  RUN;

[jakarman]

There are several naming conventions within this game.

A sheetname can also be a SAS-table name. SAS table-names  must start with a letter or an underscore.
Using that kind of information a table within SAS is a defined structure. That is messing in Excel, but you have range-names.     
SAS/ACCESS(R) 9.3 Interface to PC Files: Reference

14475 - PROC EXPORT to Excel inserts leading underscore in Worksheet name

[data_null__]

If you can change to XLSX you can create the 123 sheet name.  You will also have a named-range called _23.