How to paste absolute references or sort links

[El Kot]

In Excel 2003, I need to sort columns that are links to other
columns. If the paste function pasted absolute references, like $A$1, it
would work like a charm. However, since it pastes normal references,
after the sort operation nothing changes.
What I need is either that the paste operation paste absolute
references, or that the sort operation not recalculate the content of
the cells it sorts. How do I do that?
I distinctly remember that it used to work as expected in the
previous version of Office/Excel - forget which one exactly - probably
Office XP.

Another question - is there a way to tell Excel and Word (2003) to
use the last save directory for default saving location?

 

[Elko Tchernev]

In Excel 2003, I need to sort columns that are links to other
columns. If the paste function pasted absolute references, like $A$1, it
would work like a charm. However, since it pastes normal references,
after the sort operation nothing changes.
What I need is either that the paste operation paste absolute
references, or that the sort operation not recalculate the content of
the cells it sorts. How do I do that?
I distinctly remember that it used to work as expected in the
previous version of Office/Excel - forget which one exactly - probably
Office XP.

To further clarify - it works as expected when I copy and paste a
link from one sheet in the workbook to another. Then it can be sorted no
problem. The question is, how can I do it on the same sheet?

 

[Dave Peterson]

I think you're mis-remembering.

If you have formulas that point directly at a cell (in a different row or on a
different worksheet), then your sort will be screwed up.

Maybe you have a unique key that you use in an =vlookup() or =index(match())
formula???