Excel vba to open text file and look from end to beginning for sequence of lines.

D

Demosthenes&Locke

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Joined
May 11, 2010
Messages
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Is there a way to make excel open a text file and look for a sequence of lines, not just in a single string, but reading one line at a time, find several lines together? I want to make it automatically check a text log to see when the last "Backup" event was.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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At different points in the log file there is a sequence,
=======
=======
Updated
=======
=======

The only problem when looking for series of ===== is that every update is surrounded by them, and looking at updated, every time a file is updated it has that word after it. The log includes several such "updated" blocks, but I only need to know what's happened since the last one.
And there's the problem of looking through it backwards to find them on separate lines.
 
Upvote 0
Code: 
===================
===================
===Updated
===================
===================
Date/Time: 8/23/2010 10:16:44 AM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\Exchanger-Condensers\WO#  989750003826 Flasher Reboiler OCIC\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003817 081-156 LS-15602 Move Up and  Install PI\DSCN2434.JPG, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003817 081-156 LS-15602 Move Up and  Install PI\DSCN2435.JPG, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003817 081-156 LS-15602 Move Up and  Install PI\DSCN2449.JPG, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003817 081-156 LS-15602 Move Up and  Install PI\Picture.doc, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003817 081-156 LS-15602 Move Up and  Install PI\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003817 081-156 LS-15602 Move Up and  Install PI\WO#989750003817 ISO Template.xls, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\WO# 989750002218 PM Neutralization Tank Gearbox Agitator\Final Planning Template.xls, updated file
MDI\Package Final Plan\Vessel Entry- External Inspection\WO# 989750002208 Inspect Atmospheric Condesate Receiver90-112\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\Fabrication\Wo# 989750002362 Replace MCB Outlet Line 166 Chiller\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2358.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2368.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2369.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2371.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2453.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2454.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2455.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2457.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\DSCN2458.JPG, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\Picture.doc, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003121 Remove- Inspect Double Wall Pipe 90-33\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\PIPING\WO# 989750003321 Inspect - Repair Double Wall Pipe 90-537\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/23/2010 10:16:44 AM Files updated: 22      ============================================================
===================
===================
===Updated
===================
===================
Date/Time: 8/23/2010 3:04:12 PM                       ============================================================
MR-1\Final Planning\Fabrication\Wo# 989750002362 Replace MCB Outlet Line 166 Chiller\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\UT External -Internal Inspection\WO# 9989750002234 Tower Dump Tank OCC\Planning Package.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/23/2010 3:04:12 PM Files updated: 2      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/23/2010 4:50:24 PM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003817 081-156 LS-15602 Move Up and  Install PI\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/23/2010 4:50:24 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 7:20:24 AM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\Condenser-Exchanger\WO# 989750002184 Open-Clean 90-504 Final Column Vent Scrubber\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 7:20:24 AM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 9:00:32 AM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\Exchanger-Condensers\WO# 989750003825 Aniline Stripper Condenser 81-32-051 R\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 9:00:32 AM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 12:50:25 PM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\81-053 Amine Surge Tank (Open)\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 12:50:25 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 1:30:33 PM                       ============================================================
MR-1\Final Planning\Fin Fan OCIC-PM\WO# 9896530045986 PM West Pre-Concentrator Fin Fan 90-39.2\Planning Package.xls, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\UT External -Internal Inspection\WO# 98975000224A UT External 90-584 Subchiller Purger\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 1:30:33 PM Files updated: 2      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 1:40:31 PM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\81-053 Amine Surge Tank (Open)\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 1:40:31 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 2:00:32 PM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\Reflux Cleaning\WO# 989750002153 Pull-Clean Crude Column Reflux Nozzle\989750002153 (Pull & Clean Column Nozzle 90-220).xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 2:00:32 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 2:30:31 PM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\81-053 Amine Surge Tank (Open)\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 2:30:31 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 3:10:30 PM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\Valve Replacement\WO# 989750002149 Replace 2 670# Steam Supply Valves\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 3:10:30 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 3:40:26 PM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003817 081-156 LS-15602 Move Up and  Install PI\WO#989750003817 ISO Template.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 3:40:26 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 4:30:31 PM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\81-053 Amine Surge Tank (Open)\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 4:30:31 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 4:40:25 PM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\Fabrication\WO# 989630057094 TRACING WATER LEAK @ 1424 COLUMN PUMP\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 4:40:25 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 5:10:24 PM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\Fabrication\WO# 989630057094 TRACING WATER LEAK @ 1424 COLUMN PUMP\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 5:10:24 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 5:40:23 PM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\Fabrication\WO# 989630057094 TRACING WATER LEAK @ 1424 COLUMN PUMP\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/24/2010 5:40:23 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 7:10:27 AM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003687 081 Cond Drain Piping Change Order Check and Block Valve\DSCN2448.JPG, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003687 081 Cond Drain Piping Change Order Check and Block Valve\DSCN2479.jpg, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003687 081 Cond Drain Piping Change Order Check and Block Valve\Picture.doc, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\Piping\WO# 989750003687 081 Cond Drain Piping Change Order Check and Block Valve\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
MR-1\Final Planning\UT External -Internal Inspection\WO# 989750002332 PRODUCT RECEIVER  (UT) 90-054\Book1.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 7:10:27 AM Files updated: 5      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 7:20:26 AM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\WO# 989750003718 Neutralization Pipe Switch Valve Order of the Check and Block Valve\DSCN2407.JPG, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\WO# 989750003718 Neutralization Pipe Switch Valve Order of the Check and Block Valve\DSCN2408.JPG, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\WO# 989750003718 Neutralization Pipe Switch Valve Order of the Check and Block Valve\DSCN2450.JPG, updated file
MDA-2\Final Planning\WO# 989750003718 Neutralization Pipe Switch Valve Order of the Check and Block Valve\Picture.doc, updated file
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 7:20:26 AM Files updated: 4      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 7:50:25 AM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\Condenser-Exchanger\WO# 989750002179 Open-Clean 90-335 Isomer Column Vent Condenser\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 7:50:25 AM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 8:20:24 AM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\PUMPS\WO# 989750002205 Pull Last Running Pump 90-514 or 90-513\989750002205 (Pull Last Running Pump 90-513 or 514).xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 8:20:24 AM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 12:30:32 PM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\Fabrication\WO# 989750002953 Piping 081-13A Circuit Replacement HCL Line (SHOOT PROFILE ONLY)\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 12:30:32 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 4:30:33 PM                       ============================================================
MDI\Package Final Plan\Condenser-Exchanger\WO# 989750002184 Open-Clean 90-504 Final Column Vent Scrubber\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 4:30:33 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 4:50:26 PM                       ============================================================
MDA-2\Final Planning\WO# 989750003046 Inspection MDA Intercooler\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/25/2010 4:50:26 PM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Date/Time: 8/26/2010 7:10:24 AM                       ============================================================
MR-1\Final Planning\Exchanger\WO# 989750003750 OCC 90-456 Phosgene Cooler\Planning Package Tool.xls, updated file
Date/Time: 8/26/2010 7:10:24 AM Files updated: 1      ============================================================
Is a section of what I'm dealing with, I want to return the section after the last ===Update=== part, skipping the part before the very last one.
I will have it slice up the line and put specific parts in cells, but I need to know how to make it read the text file backwards or find the last occurrence of ====update and parse the rest of the file in a way I can manipulate it.

I really appreciate your help.
 
Upvote 0
I don't know how to read a text file backwards, but try:

Code: 
Sub Test()
'   *** Change to suit ***
    Const LookFor As String = "===Updated"
    Dim FileName As String
    Dim FileNum As Integer
    Dim r As Long
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    Dim Arr() As String
    Dim Data As String
'   *** Change path and file name to suit ***
    FileName = "C:\Temp\Updates.txt"
    FileNum = FreeFile
    r = 1
    Set ws = Worksheets.Add
    Open FileName For Input As #FileNum
    Do While Not EOF(FileNum)
        Line Input #FileNum, Data
        If Data = LookFor Then
            r = 1
            ReDim Arr(1 To r)
            Arr(1) = Data
        Else
            r = r + 1
            ReDim Preserve Arr(1 To r)
            Arr(r) = Data
        End If
    Loop
    With ActiveSheet.Cells(1, 1).Resize(UBound(Arr))
            .NumberFormat = "@"
            .Value = WorksheetFunction.Transpose(Arr)
    End With
    Close #FileNum
End Sub
 
Upvote 0
Thank you, I like the way you reset the counter when it hit the same searching for text. This should get me started! I very much appreciate your help.
 
Upvote 0
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