Remove all text after the third ocurance of a special character

[nguerra]

I have a bunch of data in a column. The data can have dashes but never more that 2. Sometimes I get 3 dashes and need to remove the third dash along with everything after it. Is there a way for a piece of VBA code can check if the cell has 3 dashes and if does, remove the third dash along with everything after it? If the cell doesn't have 3 dashes do nothing. Then continue to the end of the data.

apple -> apple
pear-01 -> pear-01
peach-01-23 -> peach-01-23
banana-02A-3F-01 -> banana-02A-3F

[stanleydgromjr]

nguerra,

To get the most precise answer, it is best to upload/attach a sample workbook (sensitive data scrubbed/removed/changed) that contains an example of your raw data on one worksheet, and on another worksheet your desired results.

The structure and data types of the sample workbook must exactly duplicate the real workbook. Include a clear and explicit explanation of your requirements.

To attach your workbook, scroll down and click on the Go Advanced button, then scroll down and click on the Manage Attachments button.

[Trebor76]

Hi nguerra,

Agree with Stan, but here's my attempt (which if it doesn't work, your actual data will be vital to providing an answer):

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Regards,

Robert

[Leith Ross]

Hello nguerra,

This code will do it.

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[Trebor76]

Hi Leith,

Long time no chat. Hope you and yours are well.

Great code

Hi nguerra,

I'd use Leith's code as it's more streamlined and therefore easier to follow than mine.

Regards,

Robert

[stanleydgromjr]

nguerra,

If your raw data strings are in column A, beginning in cell A1, down, then:


Please TEST this FIRST in a COPY of your workbook (always make a backup copy before trying new code, you never know what you might lose).

1. Copy the below code
2. Open your NEW workbook
3. Press the keys ALT + F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor
4. Press the keys ALT + I to activate the Insert menu
5. Press M to insert a Standard Module
6. Where the cursor is flashing, paste the code
7. Press the keys ALT + Q to exit the Editor, and return to Excel
8. To run the macro from Excel press ALT + F8 to display the Run Macro Dialog. Double Click the macro's name to Run it.

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Before you use the macro with Excel 2007 or newer, save your workbook, Save As, a macro enabled workbook with the file extension .xlsm

Then run the ReorgData macro.

[nguerra]

First of all I would like to apologize to everyone who helped me. After posting this question I lost my internet connection and didn't get it back until today. I was able to get both Trebor76 and stanleydgromjr to work on my worksheet. Both of them ran perfect. I suspect that if I had attached a sample workbook, Leith's code would have worked as well. Thank's to all three of you who took time to help me out.

[stanleydgromjr]

nguerra,

Thanks for the feedback.

You are very welcome. Glad we could help.

And, come back anytime.

[Trebor76]

Yes you are very welcome. If you could mark the thread as solved it would be appreciated.

Regards,

Robert