copy alphanumeric character string of differing lengths to another column

[karma2400]

Hi Guys,

I've got a spreadsheet with numerous entries on which i need to pull out a selection of text from an entry and copy it to the next colum, the text I need starts with a 3 or 4 digit number but then goes on to include alphanumeric chars.

So far i've managed to get it to just give me the numeric chars by using some code I found in another post but my lack of knowledge in this area prevents me from altering it in the way it obviously needs,

an example of the entry would be :

Entry 1234-1F3R4BS TECHNICAL

I need it to copy the everything from the 4 numbers up until the 'Techincal' into the next column so "1234-1F3R4BS", the entries are not always the same number of chars long and could be as simple as the 4 digit number with the hyphen and 2 chars after,

hoping you guys can help me,

Mike

[IcyBricks]

It looks like there is a space character on each side of the desired substring, so using "Text to Columns" should be a simple solution.

Select the cells/column you desire to extract. Go to data->Text to Columns. In the wizard select "Delimited"->Next. Have only Space checked and click Finished.

[IcyBricks]

Text to Columns cannot be undone, so save before using. Make sure to insert two blank columns to the right of the column you desire to extract so that the substrings have a place to go!

[karma2400]

Thanks Icybricks, oddly enough I never thought of doing it that way,

I can write that in to a macro and with a little judiscious column removal can get to where I want to be,

Thanks,

Michael -