Arranging worksheet data

[awcforever]

OK, so this may be a lot to chew on for one post, but here we go.
I work with building automation systems and currently I am figuring out a way to pull an alarm log from the system export it to excel, and view all of the alarms up at once instead of building for building.

We monitor about 180k points and about 300 buildings.

Basically, when the alarms are in excel,
Column 1 will contain a bunch of unique reference information and the building #. I need a way to keep all the building numbers in their cells in column 1 and toss the rest of the garbage in each cell in column while still keeping it aligned with its information in the other 3 columns. I guess a way to just say find 4 digits in these cells, and delete the rest of the info

Columns 2, 3, and 4 are just general information about what equipment is in alarm, its current value, and system info.

I can possibly get a piece of one tomorrow and post it if needed. Here is a sample of any cell in column 1 and what I need is the 4 digit number.

NAE0204B.Metasysweb.ERU-1:Hightemp

Basically I want everything gone except 0204.

Sorry for being a bit repetitive, I just want to give you guys as much information as possible. Thanks.

[awcforever]

Mind you I will be working with about 5k rows at a time, but only column 1 is to be edited.
I tried "find and replace" but couldn't get far enough because none of the building numbers have anything in common other than the fact that they are numbers. and their 4 digits long.