In versions 2002 and greater, if the range of cells to sort is unlocked prior to
adding sheet protection you can sort just that unlocked range.
Elsewise you will have to use VBA to unprotect the sheet, do the sort then
re-protect.
Sub Sort_Protected_Sheet()
ActiveSheet.Unprotect Password:="justme"
Columns("A:E").Select
Selection.Sort Key1:=Range("C2"), Order1:=xlAscending, Header:=xlGuess, _
OrderCustom:=1, MatchCase:=False, Orientation:=xlTopToBottom, _
DataOption1:=xlSortNormal
ActiveSheet.Protect Password:="justme"
End Sub
Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP