Lookup question

I'm trying to compile a database based on info from
another databse. I would like to take only the rows that
contain a certain value in a cell to make the new
spreadsheet. (the original spreadsheet may contain several
thousand rows, but I only need a few dozen of them for the
new spreadsheet). How do I do this?

Have you tried AutoFilter (via Data -- Filter)?

If you have a header row (ie: column labels -- if not insert one) turn
AutoFilter on, then use the dropdown for the column in question to show only
the rows with the appropriate value. Then select the range (CTRL+Shift+8)
and copy & paste to your new sheet.

NB "original spreadsheet may contain several thousand rows" ; if there are
1000 unique entries XL won't show them all. To work round, use the
(Custom... ) option.

Rgds,
Andy