[FileMaker and Lisp] FM Windows Reg Ex problem

Hi, I am not pleased to having to work with FM, but fortunately saw the Reg Ex plugin Now when I try the following Text: "12345 abcd" Pattern: "12345(.*)" and request $1 I get "abcd" However when the string gets too long, eg 16 digits; I get a question mark,i.e. error It is really puzzling to me, why there would be a limitation on the return string Any ideas why and or workarounds?