Use MID Substring for INDIRECT List

**hotrod55** · 02-19-2013, 07:36 PM

I'd like to be able to use a substring from a list with the INDIRECT function. I know I can use MID to get the substring, but that's about all.

My original list is operating systems with versions, i.e.

Windows 2003 R2 NoSP
Windows 2008 SP2
Windows 2008 R2 SP1, SP2
Windows 2012 x64

I want to use the first 12 positions, for example "Windows 2012" to provide the indirect reference. I just don't know how to code this and would love some help.

**vlady** · 02-19-2013, 07:55 PM

you could try the left function
like this

=INDIRECT("'"&LEFT(TRIM(A13),12)&"'!A1")

**hotrod55** · 02-20-2013, 12:05 AM

Hmm. My Drop Down lists are on another sheet. My list of OSes is going to index to a list of compatible software products which will be different depending on the choice of OS. I'm not able to see what to do still.

**vlady** · 02-20-2013, 01:50 AM

can you provide a sample workbook on what you are working on.

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