Issue: When using the Find formula, it doesn't work when trying to find the backslash (\) character

Glenn Neargarder

I can get the Find formula to work when looking for a letter but I need to locate the back slash (\) character but when I created the formula I get an #UNPARSEABLE error.

Example: The string to be searched looks like this "Noel\Mark\OfficeDesign" or "Abraham\Lee\kitchenDesign"

I need to pull the names, the first name is the manager and the second is the designer. I need to pull these names out into two separate columns for sorting and filtering.

Current syntax is =FIND("\", [Column14]1)

If I replace the \ with a letter it works but it doesn't like the \ character even though it's in quotes.

How do I get this to work?

Andrée Starå

Hi @Glenn Neargarder

Strange!

Is this a recurring process, or could we replace the \ with something else before it ends up in Smartsheet?

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s)/copies of the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@workbold.com)

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Glenn Neargarder

We are a group of engineers. Currently there are 3 senior engineers and each of them have ~ 5 lead engineers. We have about 200 projects. We create a folder for each senior and sub folders for each lead. All the projects files are stored under the leads name.

We have an Excel macro that goes to the hard drive and pulls all the files and provides the path. We use this path as a link and we use it know the senior and lead engineers.

the path looks like this \\server\pce_cqf\TEMPUS\Projects\Julian\Joseph G\SATM Design Project.mpp|

I need to pull the first name and place it in the Senior Engineer column and the second name for the Lead Engineer column. This will allow us to sort and filter the list of 200 projects by Senior or lead.

Does that help?

Andrée Starå

@Glenn Neargarder

I hope you're well and safe!

Excuse the late response.

Crazy times and I missed coming back to you.

Have you solved it, or do you still need help?

Happy New Year & Stay safe!