http://spssx-discussion.165.s1.nabble.com/Paired-test-for-3-variables-tp1089169p1089173.html
You could do it with replace. Here's some SPSS test data with the characters # and " " (space) in it and how to remove them. Obviously, you don't need to create new variables (you could replace Var2 and Var3 by Var) but perhaps this makes it clearer. Just mind you: all spaces and instances of # will be removed.
> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:49:52 -0400
> From:
[hidden email]> Subject: How to get rid of a character/sign in string
> To:
[hidden email]>
> Hi to all:
>
> As a newbie SPSS syntact-er, I apologize if my message is annoyingly simple.
> Here is the thing I need help:
>
> I have 7 digit string variable (7 digit number) with random "#" sign in it. In
> variable there are few cases where space has been used instead of "#". I want to
> get rid of both.
>
> Q1. Does the position of sign and space matter?
> Q2. Do you have any code that I can try to adjust my case?
>
> Many thanks to all!!
>
> emel
>
>
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