Sort Problem

[Paul]

Excel 2007

I have a list of data with 8 columns. The first column is names, then
total profit, then average profit, etc.

I have been sorting by total profit, but one day I sorted by names,
and now all of the names are alphabetical, but they are not next to
the proper data in the other columns. I can't get it back to the
correct order.

I have a long list of data that is basically worthless unless I can
figure out how to get it back to its original order.

 

[Tony Morse]

Excel 2007

I have a list of data with 8 columns. The first column is names, then
total profit, then average profit, etc.

I have been sorting by total profit, but one day I sorted by names,
and now all of the names are alphabetical, but they are not next to
the proper data in the other columns. I can't get it back to the
correct order.

I have a long list of data that is basically worthless unless I can
figure out how to get it back to its original order.

If you saved it you're probably out of luck.

Is there any other column with data that would enable you to tie the
record to the name (address, etc.)? If so, and if you could get an
external list of the same information, you could then use a lookup to
put the names back properly.

Other than that you probably need to get new data.

When sorting always select all of the columns that contain data to
ensure you don't have this problem.

Also, consider using lists (tables in 2007 Home tab - Format as table),
Excel automatically treats each line a record and if you sort one column
it will keep all the data together.)

Tony

 

[Tyro]

When you sorted on the column with the names, it appears you selected that
column only. Excel probably asked you if you wanted to expand the selection
to include the other columns with profits, etc. and you said no, so Excel
sorted the names only, thus disassociating the names from the data belonging
to the names and apparently you saved your workbook in that state. Unless
you have a backup or have some way of identifying what data, i.e. profits,
belong with what name, you have what you say you have - worthless data. When
you sort, always include all columns so that Excel will sort on your key
fields and keep the data belonging to those key fields with the key fields.

Tyro

 

[Paul]

Thanks. It looks like I'm screwed. I did exactly as you guessed I
did..

 

[Tyro]

I strongly suggest you make regular backups. Perhaps daily, weekly, etc.
depending on the imprortance of the workbooks. Then you can always go back
to a copy that is reasonably good. Of course, you'll have to update it to
bring it current. But at least you won't have the situation you're now
facing. You might want to save your files in a folder with a name that
contains the date such as MyWorkbooks-04-17-08. Then you have backup with a
date. Sorry you lost your data. Best of luck.

Tyro