sorting rows

[basjakob]

Is it possible to lock data in rows so they dont mix up when you sort?
I know it would be better to use an database program as Access, but
ive been asked to work in excel and i really need this function since
people are gonna mess my data up otherwise.

Thankful for any help!

/Jeo

 

[Leung]

Can you elaborate more about your situations?

You said they will mix up your data when sort, but how is it mixed?

for example

A
Name
Topmost
John
Peter
Iris

after sort:
A
Name
Iris
John
Peter
Topmost


So Topmost should not be sorted, is this your situation?

or you have many rows as heading on leftmost columne but after sorting, they
mixed up?

 

[basjakob]

Its like this:


D A C B
C B D A
B D A C
A C B D

so if I sort by first column it should be

A C B D
B D A C
C B D A
D A C B

all the data in existing rows holds together just as if i would have
selected all columns.
The thing is that im gonna have people thats not so used with
computers meddling with the file, and i dont want them to just select
on column and then press sort and mix the corresponding data up.

I can do a similiar thing by using autofilter, but it would be neat to
able to really sort the data.

 

[Leung]

Hi

I think the simplest solution is to select your data then make it a list.

Data > List > Create List

When the list is created, a blue border surround it and make it looks like a
database table. When anyone sort it, whole range will be selected. It also
make more easy to add total row and looks more professional.

hope this help.

 

[basjakob]

Yes it would be the best solution if i only had Excel 2003. =o)

The company uses 2002 and theres no way for me to change that atm. Is
there a way to do this in Excel 2002?

/Jeo

 

[Leung]

Can't you create a list in Excel 2002?

I don't have this version on Hand.

 

[Roger Govier]

Hi

Data>List came in with XL2003.

You could create a dynamic named range for your data. Then, providing
there are no blank columns within the range, clicking on any cell within
the range and choosing Sort, will select the whole of the named range
before carrying out the sort.

If you want to use VBA, then Dave Peterson developed a very nice routine
utilising hidden shapes.
This can be found at Debra Dalgleish's site
http://www.contextures.com/xlSort02.html

 

[Gord Dibben]

The "list" feature was introduced with Excel 2003


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP