Searching data that contains wildcards

**cdw904** · 12-16-2006, 06:30 PM

HTML Code:

I am looking for a way to search column A for a similar value (a character in place of the "*"). For example:

Search for MS3100W32-6S OR MS3100F32-6S in column A and have excel return MS3456W32-6P from column B.

Search for MS3106A10SL-4S OR MS3106P10SL-4S in column A and have excel return MS3450W10SL-4P from column B.

etc...

The "*" in column A data is throwing me off

**Json** · 12-16-2006, 06:33 PM

Try putting ~ before your wildcard character

~*
or
~?

**cdw904** · 12-16-2006, 06:38 PM

It is critical that the search does not contain the wildcard...

I need to search for the exact phrase "MS3106P10SL-4S" and return MS3450W10SL-4P using the given table.

**Json** · 12-16-2006, 07:16 PM

You could create another column (hidden if you like) next to your look up array using:

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That would take out the wild card character. You could then search using that.

I'm sure there are better ways but that would work.

**cdw904** · 12-16-2006, 08:18 PM

If I take the wild card * out of A1 for example, I will have MS310032-6S. That's fine, but if i am searching for MS3100A32-6S, MS3100C32-6S, or MS3100B32-6S, it will not be found in column A.

For example, I need to search for the exact phrase "MS3106P10SL-4S" and return MS3450W10SL-4P using the given table.

Thanks for your help on this

**cdw904** · 12-16-2006, 08:19 PM

I basically need the * to represent any letter character.

**VBA Noob** · 12-17-2006, 05:52 AM

This might get the ball rolling

VBA Noob

**Json** · 12-17-2006, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by VBA Noob

This might get the ball rolling

VBA Noob

Can I give it a shove?

Wild search.zip

I think this is what you asked for.

Comments welcome - I'm always willing to learn something new.

**VBA Noob** · 12-17-2006, 08:18 AM

Jason,

How's your work for the below as only searchs one condition.

MS3106A10SL-4S OR MS3106P10SL-4S

VBA Noob

**Json** · 12-17-2006, 08:32 AM

It doesn't yours is the one to use under those conditions.

I think I followed what you did; thanks again. I always learn something from reading your solutions.

Original post said:

I am looking for a way to search column A for a similar value (a character in place of the "*"). For example:

Search for MS3100W32-6S OR MS3100F32-6S in column A and have excel return MS3456W32-6P from column B.

Search for MS3106A10SL-4S OR MS3106P10SL-4S in column A and have excel return MS3450W10SL-4P from column B.

It seemed not to matter what the variable character is, Column A only has asterix's, so I didn't allow for version search. Rereading now, you are right

I will look again and re-submit.

**Json** · 12-17-2006, 10:19 AM

struggling!

You know any way to validate a cell's contents based on the results of an array formula?

**cdw904** · 12-17-2006, 02:53 PM

Thanks so much guys!!!

**VBA Noob** · 12-17-2006, 02:54 PM

You got an answer then ??

VBA Noob

**Json** · 12-22-2006, 07:07 AM

I've been busy doing other things, ok? lol

Probably buggy as a week old buffalo carcass but it's been a good learning experience.

Free.zip

Comments, critisism, opinions and advice welcomed.