Advanced Filter Please clarify

[Todd F]

I have a flat file that is 40 some columns by 3,000 rows -
a shipments report.

I have duplicate lines for single sales orders(different
line items)

I must filter one line per order and only one line to send
a summary list out to people.

I did the advanced filter with the list range being cell
A1 to the lower right corner of the list.

No my criteria range is what I am concerned about - I am
puting the criteria field in column A and saying A1 to
last cell with data in A as my range.

I am only highlighting the criteria column for the
criteria range and not the whole list with all the
columns - Is this correct.

Thanks much

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

Your criteria range for this should be two cells.
Leave the heading cell blank
In the cell below, enter a formula that refers to the
order number column. For example, if the first order
number is in cell A2:

<blank>
=COUNTIF($A$2:$A2,A2)=1

When you run the Advanced Filter, select the blank cell, and the cell
with the formula as the criteria range.
Do not check the box for Unique values.

 

[Todd F.]

So are you saying I should not do it the way I did it -
which appears to have worked.

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

Then I'm confused. If your way worked, with what did you need help?

There are usually different ways to achieve the same result in Excel,
so, if your way worked, then use it.

 

[Todd F.]

Thanks I was looking for clarification - I do not see
mention of this technique anywhere but yest it did work
and I did proof it.