[dontpanic]

g-force2k2,

This code below does have the same effect, but my real problem is figuring out how to prevent it from replacing in any <a> or [URL] instances.

PHP Code:

$post['message'] = str_replace("70-292", "<a href=\"http://www.mcseworld.com/a/1932266569/\" target=\"_blank\">70-292</a>", $post['message']); 


I am looking to perform the replacement conditionally, only if the string is not already linked.

You've got me looking in another direction though...