How do i write a Macro that copies and pastes on the first 5 characters from one column into the next column?

[medwardnfriends]

I have a column filled with 17 character identification numbers. I need the next column over to automatically replicate the first 8 characters from the same row in the column next to it, and also to lock this column so that the data can not be modified??

 

[Joe4]

Here is a simple one that takes the first 8 characters from all rows in column A and puts it in column B, and then locks the data (without a password).

Sub MyMacro()
 
    Dim cell As Range
    
    Application.ScreenUpdating = False
    
'   Loop through all rows in column A putting first 8 characters in column B
    For Each cell In Range("A1:A" & Cells(Rows.Count, "A").End(xlUp).Row)
        cell.Offset(0, 1) = Left(cell, 8)
    Next cell
    
'   Unlock all cells, then just lock column B
    Cells.Locked = False
    Columns("B:B").Locked = True
'   Protect sheet so lock on column B takes affect (no password here, but you can lock with a password, if you like)
    ActiveSheet.Protect DrawingObjects:=True, Contents:=True, Scenarios:=True
    
    Application.ScreenUpdating = False
    
End Sub

 

[medwardnfriends]

Thanks alot