How do i replace a specific word/phrase only in the ID field without disrupting the rest of the ID?

[JH]

i am using Act Version 18..2.53.0

In the ID/Status field i have the name of the company and state.  so for example i have "BobsBar- FL" or "BobsBar- TX".   The company has now changed names but i want to keep the state the same.  So now the name is "MikesBar- FL" and "MikesBar- TX".  I have about 500 contact that i need to change.  Is there a way to do this without manually entering (i have all 50 states represented).  So to Clarify, i just want to change the name of the company and leave the "- State" or - FL the same.  thank you.

[JH]

i am using Act Version 18..2.53.0

In the ID/Status field i have the name of the company and state.  so for example i have "BobsBar- FL" or "BobsBar- TX".   The company has now changed names but i want to keep the state the same.  So now the name is "MikesBar- FL" and "MikesBar- TX".  I have about 500 contact that i need to change.  Is there a way to do this without manually entering (i have all 50 states represented).  So to Clarify, i just want to change the name of the company and leave the "- State" or - FL the same.  thank you.

[jnpurdy]

I'll answer the question, but then I have an opinion on the use of ID Status.

As long as the ID/Status is not restricted to the items in the list, then ...

• do a look up of ID/Status for BobsBar-FL
• Use the Replace command (Edit … Replace Field) 
• Enter NewBobsBar-FL
• Repeat for the other states.

The change will update the ID/Status for all contacts in the lookup of BobsBar-FL.

If you don't want to lookup each state, then you will need a third party.  See title "Importing Updated Field Information to Current Clients" in this forum for suggestions of 3rd party software.

Now my opinion - the ID/Status should be the one field that categorizes the contact generally as a prospect, customer, vendor, etc.  If possible, keep ID/Status to 20 or less categories.

Then do a contact lookup of BobsBar regardless of the state.  Using the replace command to change the name of company to the new company name.  No need to do a lookup by state.  

If you are using the "Companies" feature, then you only have to do a lookup of the company name and enter the new name.  When you leave the screen or click save, you will be asked to update all the records linked to BobsBar.