Hey everybody,

I just did a quick search on this topic and found multiple posts, but none answered my particular question. Here's the situation:

I'm using Microsoft Excel 2003.

I have created an autofilter for a cell range and then protected the sheet with the "Use Autofilter" box marked. The autofilter seems to be functioning properly with one exception:

It won't let me use either the "Sort Ascending" or "Sort Descending" features in any column. Instead, I receive the standard cell protection error message:

The cell or chart you are trying to change is protected and therefore read-only.

To modify a protected cell or chart, first remove protection using the Unprotect Sheet command (Tools menu, Protection submenu). You may be prompted for a password.
I have tried
  • unlocking all cells in the filter,
  • unlocking the header cells,
  • limiting the filter to 10 rows and unlocking row 11, and
  • allowing various other permissions with protection.

Does anyone know how to fix this? ideally, without leaving the cells unlocked?

Thanks in advance,
j