Using LEFT (or other functions) where the "=" is part of the formula?

[boznian]

I need to sort, and maybe filter, and find values from program code. Unfortunately the character(s) that I need are the 2 to the left of an = (equals) sign. I haven't found any way to use the = sign IN the formula - is this possible? It gave me a tip to place a single quote prior to the = sign but the formula still crashed. Excel 2000 FWIW. Example data, column A, what I need for column B:
y2=0.0 ...so I need "y2"
forcedmin1=auto ...so I need n1
max0=200.0 ...so I need x0
etc.

Every line is a different total length and the = sign is always in a different place so I can't use any 'fixed' parameters.

 

[Fluff]

Glad we could help & thanks for the feedback.