Comparing text in cells for differences

[big john]

I want to compare some text in a1 with text in b1 and have Excel place the
differences in c1. Is this possible? The EXACT function only tells me if they
are alike or not with a true or false, even if the only difference is a
capital letter. I could place the text in one sheet and have it compare
with another sheet and have the differences placed in a third sheet, if that
is easier to do. I am using Excel 2003. I know nothing about writing code
or macros. I am fairly new to Excel. I'm not sure, but I think this might
have to be a macro or something, unless there is a function in Excel that
does this. Help me! Please?

 

[ShaneDevenshire]

I think we need to know a lot more - does character order matter, does case
matter, how do you want repeat characters handled?

 

[big john]

I am wanting to actually compare sentences for differences. I want excel to
create a report of the differences in a sentence not just yeah the're
different or no the're not. I want to know what the differences are. Case
does not matter.

If a1 is Determine if we will have access to an SME
and b1 is Determine if an SME is available

I would like excel to either highlight the differences or place the
differences in c1

 

[Pete_UK]

But in this example, what *exactly* would you hope to see in C1?

Pete

 

[big john]

Here's the deal, I want to do equipment maintenance task performing
comparisons. One task from a client will be in a1. Our company maintenance
task recommendations in b1 relating to the same piece of client equipment. I
want the differences of performing the task or all the different sentences to
be to be placed in c1. It does not have to be case sensitive, as the EXACT
function is. Would it be easier to place the tasks on different sheets and
compare the sheets? Which ever way is the easiest.

another example:
a1: to prepare this pump for maintenance, close the suction and discharge
of the pump and drain to pad.
b1: to prepare this pump for maintenance, close the suction and discharge
valves of the pump and open the case drain to the pad. Crack open the case
vent to allow drainage.

c1: valves, open the case drain to the pad. Crack open the case vent to
allow drainage.

I would also like the differences in b1 to be highlighted as well. Like the
word "valves" also the portion of the sentance "open the case drain to the
pad." And the sentance "Crack open the case vent to allow drainage."