Search for Text in Excel

[Guest]

I am creating a list of part numbers of which some will be similar (different
variants of products) and I want to create a user search function eg a search
box that the users could enter the first few letters followed by a wild card
eg EV* and then the products starting with that prefix would be found.
I know you can use the Find function under Edit, but I was hoping for a more
user friendly tool.
Any ideas.
Regards
Duncan

 

[Dave Peterson]

Data|Filter|Autofilter

And then custom filter: Begins with EV
(or equals EV*)

Maybe...

 

[Guest]

Okay...what Duncan, UK is trying to do is essentially what I am trying to do,
except that I want to make it EVEN EASIER for the user, so that he/she can
enter the text into a Text Box Form and press Enter, and the data will be
AutoFiltered by the text string that they have just entered.

How can I do that?

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Thanks, that is another way, but I was hoping for a more user friendly way.
eg like a text box on the sheet that performed the same thing. I know how
to find use 'Edit & Find' and 'Filters', but the users this is aimed at users
with limited experience and knowledge.

Thanks

 

[Dave Peterson]

You can build a textbox (or just a dedicated cell) then show the find dialog.

or maybe...

Even use an addin that's very nice--
Jan Karel Pieterse's FlexFind:
http://www.oaltd.co.uk/MVP/

But I don't see how anything could be much simpler than Ctrl-f (edit|Find).

 

[Guest]

Thanks. I will try that. I know it is easy, but you haven't met the people
that this is intended for....I shouldn't be rude, but honestly they have very
little idea about PCs, let alone Excel.

Cheers

 

[Dave Peterson]

I've found that if they never get a chance to learn, then they'll never learn.

And by just showing them how to use edit|Find (or ctrl-f), think of all the
other applications that are now a bit easier for them.

Thanks. I will try that. I know it is easy, but you haven't met the people
that this is intended for....I shouldn't be rude, but honestly they have very
little idea about PCs, let alone Excel.

Cheers