Paul,
1] OK, changed posA1 to integer. Do not know how long I can say I am a new bie. 
2]
bufferA1 = Mid$(strInput, 1, posA1 + 6)
The result must contain
A1:XXXVBTAB where xxx is the value I really need. Which can one digit to max 3 digits.
A1:XXVBTAB
A1:XVBTAB
So this means I need at least 7 positions to extract the value I need in longest case A1:123T where T is VBTAB.
From this result which is variable result in length there might be digits in front of the A1: and behind the TAB.
So I have to extract the value from it.
First remove all left of the A1: separator then the seperator itself (can be one action)
Then look for the first tab from the left and remove all on the rigth of the TAB including the TAB itself (can be one action).
3] Here I looked for the LEN and Left$ function
http://www.vb6.us/tutorials/vb6-string-functions
I used this sample
lngLen = Len("Visual Basic") ' lngLen = 12
So you know where the name came from.
For the LEFT$ function i wanted it to use and see if I could accomplish what I needed.
Paco
I will do more homework.