I have a report that reads data out of a text col feld using instr and then decides where to start using mid. This determines where the start point is and then reads on about 23 places. I then drop this formula on to my report and present the data.  Now the field name in the database is called "Completed" you can choose from a picklist or type in your own reason for completed.  The problem is my formula jumps 23 places and then stops, if someone adds the word say "Done" then my formula would read passed this and on to the next line??? and will then start pulling data from the next line in the text col field.

 

So the above is the first problem, provided database users dont make these mistakes it displays okay in crystal but you need to be religious about the data entry.  Now if one is to export in to excel then this all falls to bits. After having exported the report to excel. excel is showing the data that is past the 25 places and its not looking good.

 

Is there anyway one can determine how large the width of the colunm is and maybe a reason as to why the export is bypassing my code.

 

any help would be much appreciated.

 

shivun