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Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

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    Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    I need to alphabatize a excel spreadsheet by first name and last name. However, I also need the data in the other columns coresponding with the persons row to change with it as well. For example I know how to make the last and first name become alphabitized in this senerio, however it doesn't change the other two columns:

    Smith, Jane $92 Filed
    Smith, Kayla $07 Unfiled
    Smith, Alle $12 Unfiled

    So if i alphabetized this it would be:

    Smith, Alle $92 Filed
    Smith, Kayla $07 Unfiled
    Smith, Jane $12 Unfiled

    and not how I want it to be:

    Smith, Alle $12 Unfiled
    Smith, Kayla $07 Unfiled
    Smith, Jane $92 Filed

    Make sense? I have 300 pages to alphabatize so please give me the easiest way! Thanks!
    Last edited by privatesinn; 07-02-2012 at 03:43 PM.

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    You get better help if you post an Excel-example of your workbook, without confidential information.

    Make sure the workbook demonstrates your desired results if possible, or just highlight the cells you're trying to fix.

    Use BEFORE/AFTER sheets if that helps make it clearer.
    Notice my main language is not English.

    I appreciate it, if you reply on my solution.

    If you are satisfied with the solution, please mark the question solved.

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    right select the names you want to sort out then on the toolsbar ( home) then choose sort and filter then sort A to Z.

    A pop in will ask you if you want to extand it. Select it and everything will be in order.

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Hmm, just tried this and didn't get any pop ins. It just sorted it the incorrect way

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Make sure that when you sort the data your selection contains the columns with the 'other' data too. Then sort on first name.
    Life's a spreadsheet, Excel!
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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    i ve just done it. it works but yeah make sure you select everything you want to sort out.

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Quote Originally Posted by carole91 View Post
    right select the names you want to sort out then on the toolsbar ( home) then choose sort and filter then sort A to Z.

    A pop in will ask you if you want to extand it. Select it and everything will be in order.
    Got the pop in, however, now it says the cells that are merged need to be identacally sized

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Merged cells will always cause problems. If they are merged across columns for 'cosmetic' appeal, unmerge and use 'center across selection' under Cell format.

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Right i dont know why you excel is saying that. I m using excel 2010 and the size of my cells arent the same at all and i dont have any problem or any other text poping in

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Ok so i unmerged everything and centered across selection for the same look. Now when I select the column and press sort, i dont even get the pop in andymore it just automatically sorts it the incorrect way... I feel like I am getting closer but not quite there yet. Thanks for the ongoing support everyone!

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Please refer to Post # 5. You need to ensure that you select all columns including the ones that contain the 'other' data

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Actually I think I solved it! Give me a minute to look over the document!

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Did you manage to solve your problem ?

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    I solved it! After un merging everything, centering across the rows, and then selecting all the data and sorting A-Z I was able to solve my problem! Thanks for the help everyone!!!

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    Re: Complicated Alphabatizing Problem - Please Help!

    Enjoy the forum. It always easy once you know the solution Please mark the thread as solved

    To mark your thread solved do the following:
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