[How can I format a cell with a String as excel Text?]

I have a report with a field filled with a java.lang.String value. This report generates an excel file and I need to format it as text.

Currently using iReport 3.7.6 to generate de jrxml and jasper files and jasper 4.6.0 with a web application.

 

I tried setting pattern format for rhe cell in the jasper report to @, but I guess it is not valid.

On other 'numeric' fields with a given pattern I was able to use JRXlsAbstractExporterParameter.FORMAT_PATTERNS_MAP to give it a text format in excel with a map mapping the format '#,##0' to '@', but I have not been able to apply this way with the String field

How can I do it?

Could I do it with a newer jasper version ?

[I updated java from 1.6 to 1.7 and report font changed]

I updated the oracle virtual machine from 1.6 to 1.7 and my reports are turning with a different font. Wherean I look to find the culprit?

I am clue-less right now.