While Excel doesn't directly support regular expressions within its built-in filtering functionalities, there are alternative approaches to achieve similar results using advanced filters and helper columns:

Method 1: Advanced Filter with Formulas and Wildcards

1. Identify your regular expression pattern: Clearly define the pattern you want to match in your data using regular expressions (e.g., "\d{3}-\d{4}" for phone numbers).
2. Create a helper column: Add a new column next to your data. In this column, you'll enter formulas to check if each cell matches your pattern.
3. Formula for Matching: In the helper column cell (e.g., B2), enter a formula like `=IF(SEARCH(A2,"*\d{3}-\d{4}*")>0,TRUE,FALSE)`, replacing A2 with your actual data cell reference and the pattern within quotes. This formula uses the SEARCH function to see if the pattern exists in the corresponding data cell (A2) and returns TRUE if it finds a match.
4. Copy formula down: Drag the formula in cell B2 down to apply it to all your data rows in the helper column.
5. Advanced Filter: Set up an advanced filter by defining your criteria range (including the helper column) and the destination for your filtered data.
6. Criteria for Matching: In the helper column of your criteria range, simply enter TRUE as the criteria (to select rows where the formula returned TRUE).
7. Run the Filter: Execute the advanced filter to extract only the rows that matched your regular expression pattern based on the helper column.

Method 2: VBA Macro with Regular Expressions

1. Record a Macro (Optional): If you're comfortable with macros, you can record a macro while setting up the advanced filter and criteria. This can automate repetitive tasks.
2. Write VBA Code: Write VBA code that utilizes regular expression libraries or functions (not built-in to Excel) to evaluate your data against the pattern. The code can then filter or highlight based on the matches.

Important Considerations:

* Both methods require additional steps compared to using regular expressions directly in filters.
* Method 1 relies on formulas and wildcards, which might not offer the full flexibility of regular expressions.
* Method 2 requires VBA knowledge and can be more complex to set up.

Alternative Solutions:

* Consider using add-in tools that might offer regular expression support within Excel filtering.
* If you're working with a large dataset, explore options like Power Query or other data manipulation tools that might have built-in regular expression capabilities.