Hi ChiragNS.

Thanks for the advice. I've already had a case where the user had sql server installed and I didn't know the sa password. So I had to uninstall and...

wow:-D thanks Jeff. you really know your stuff. Might only get to test this tomorrow though. Will get back to you. It looks awesome

Hi again, is there anyway I can add to your reputation or something on this forum:-)

thank you so much ColdCoffee. This function is absolutely perfect for my requirement. and it is quite quick. 4 secs for 1000 records. you are a master;-)

Hi ColdCoffee,

yes it does always start and end with an _ .

guys I've done this scalar function which gives me the first and last part of the string:

for example P0_x002_3345

will give me PO3345

but for ones like this:

PO_x002e_5567_3333

I need to get PO...

thanks for the replies guys. sorry about not following etiquette.

there could be other patterns like _x0002c etc. So I can't really do a replace:(