Data Sort

[Spike9458]

I have this unusual problem where, when I go to sort the spreadsheet, the
wizard bypasses the header line, and picks up the first line of data to use
as the column headings. I realize I can sort by column label (A,B,C etc ...)
but several columns of remembering during a mailmerge makes for mixed
results.

Does anybody know why this may be happening, and what I can do to fix it?

Thanks,

--Jim

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

Do you select all the data and the headings before you start the Sort?
Is there a blank row (perhaps hidden) between the data and the headings?

 

[Spike9458]

Hi Deb, no I don't normally select anything before a data sort. This is the
first time this occurance has happened like this. The first 5 columns
contain formulas to format the data in the columns. I wonder if that may
have something to do with it. Okay, by selecting all the text (over 5400
lines of it) the column headings were picked up by the wizard. This is the
first time I've done a sort where the column headings continued to be
ignored, even if I moved it around ... just don't make sense, but thanks for
the help!

--Jim

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

To quickly select the current region, press Ctrl+*
-- use the * on the number keypad, or Ctrl+Shift+8(*)

The formulas shouldn't affect Excel's ability to detect the headings. In
fact, it should make it easier to distinguish from the text headings.

 

[Spike9458]

Thanks for the short-cut. That makes life much easier.

Question: I have several columns hidden. I need them for their content, but
that's all. What happens to the data in the hidden columns when I do a sort?
Does it go where it should, or does it not get sorted? Being hidden, I can't
select them.

Thanks,

--Jim

 

[Tom Ogilvy]

The hidden columns sort as well. In fact, you can only sort a contiguous
range.

When you have the data selected and do data=>Sort, you will see in the sort
by dropdowns that you can even use the hidden column(s) to sort by.

 

[Spike9458]

Tom, Thanks!

The hidden columns sort as well. In fact, you can only sort a contiguous
range.

When you have the data selected and do data=>Sort, you will see in the sort
by dropdowns that you can even use the hidden column(s) to sort by.

--
Regards,
Tom Ogilvy

data