>The MESSAGEBOX() function parses the 2^N factors out of the various numbers passed to it to determine the various options. I need to accomplish this same sort of task. I should know this, but is there a formula or algorithm for parsing these factors out or does an iterative loop have to be used?

If I understood your question right, I think you must check the flags one by one (as in BITAND(m.lnValue,BITLSHIFT(1,m.lnFlag))!=0, or through constants, as in BITAND(m.lnValue,16)!=0).