How to run a mult. Linear regression in R, after importing the data.

*I imported the data from excel no problem.
*In the data set, one column is a list of names, and then there is 1 dependent variable, and 4 independent variables.
*My first and simple task is to rename the data set, then set up the regression equation through R.
*Every time I rename the data set, or do anything with it for that matter, i look to the left, in the envrionment section, and every time it automatically reduces the number of variables I have to 2-- theres a total of 5! This thus does not allow me to name my 4 indepen. variables and move forward with the simple task of mult. lin. regression, because it thinks there is only two variables-- why is it doing this? that doesnt even make sense.

  • i make sure to say "skip" on the column that has just names. What am I missing?