Can't Sort a protected worhsheet

[Access Joe]

Hi all,

Using Excel 2003 - I've protected the cells and turned on the "Sort" option,
which to my knowledge, will allow the users to Sort the data, even though
it's currently locked. But it doesn't work! When I try to sort, it tells me
I can't becuase the sheet is protected.

I thought if I turn on the "Sort" checkbox, I'm able to sort the data.
Anyone know why it would still stop me from sorting?

 

[Dave Peterson]

Are the cells that will be sorted locked or unlocked?

Is the data separated by at least a column or row from data that shouldn't be
included in the sort?

 

[Access Joe]

Hey Dave,

The cells are locked. The data is one consistent list - no row/column
breaks. Any suggestions?

Maybe I'm misunderstanding how this feature works - but I thought I'd be
able to sort even if the cells remain locked? isn't that the whole purpose -
allow users to manipulate data even though they can't change it?

 

[Dave Peterson]

Unlock the cells that should be sorted. Depending on how you define it, sorting
the data is a form of change.

If you want to keep the cells locked, but still allow the user to sort the data,
maybe you could provide a macro that would sort the way you want.

If you have lots of different ways of sorting, maybe you could use this idea:

Use invisible rectangles over the headers that allows you to sort your data
based on the column of the rectangle that you clicked.

If you want to try that, check out Debra Dalgleish's site:
http://contextures.com/xlSort02.html

You'll have to add code to unprotect the worksheet, do the sort and reprotect
the worksheet.

 

[Access Joe]

thanks Dave. I'll give that a try...

Unlock the cells that should be sorted. Depending on how you define it, sorting
the data is a form of change.

If you want to keep the cells locked, but still allow the user to sort the data,
maybe you could provide a macro that would sort the way you want.

If you have lots of different ways of sorting, maybe you could use this idea:

Use invisible rectangles over the headers that allows you to sort your data
based on the column of the rectangle that you clicked.

If you want to try that, check out Debra Dalgleish's site:
http://contextures.com/xlSort02.html

You'll have to add code to unprotect the worksheet, do the sort and reprotect
the worksheet.