I'm not sure what you're assignment requires, but you're able to do it without VBA which might make life a little easier. In another cell I would use the Find() formula to return the location of your search string. then I would put that location into a Mid() function like you've done above...
I've done this a few times for my work and I think the best way is detailed in this article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/257819. Basically, you'll reference an ADO object and use it to connect with the Access file. From there, you'll supply the ADO connection with some SQL which will...
Well, I would still suggest the side-by-side solution. However, instead of using a control, you can use Data Validation (under the Data tab, in Data Tools). You could create a "Yes/No" drop down like the ones described here: http://www.contextures.com/xldataval01.html. Then, in the cells...
When you copy any cells, all formulas should be retained as is (so long as you do a regular paste and not paste special). If you simply copy the desired region and paste into a new spreadsheet (or tab) your formulas should remain intact, you'll just need to adjust your input data in the new...