Sorting with data validation applied

[Guest]

I'm trying to create a spreadsheet to send to students so they can choose the
dates they'd prefer to attend classes. I've used data validation to format
cells in three columns--basically, the drop-down menu offers between two and
five date choices, and the three columns are labeled as 1st choice, 2nd
choice, 3rd choice. The fourth column is a list of class names. When I try
to sort alphabetically by class name, the data-validated cells do not sort
with the class names column. They stay where they were. I want the data
validation cells to move with the class name cells. For instance, if, before
sorting, Economics was in cell A21 and the data validation cells showing
available dates for Economics were in cells B21, C21, and D21, then after
sorting, I would expect that if A21 became A1, then B21, C21, and D21 would
now be B1, C1, and D1, but this is not the case--they stay as B21, C21, and
D21. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Otto Moehrbach]

I checked out everything you said and got the same as you. And I see no way
around that. I would suggest you reverse the order in which you did this.
List and sort the class names first, then setup the Data Validation cells.
Since you've already setup the Data Validation cells, I suggest you
simply copy them to where you want them, then clear the Data Validation in
the original cells. HTH Otto

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply! The problem I'm facing now is, once I sort the class
names and re-structure the data validation fields so that everything matches
up, I can't sort it any more.. I've tried unprotecting the worksheet and
cells, disabling and re-enabling drag and drop, and anything else I can think
of that would affect this, all to no avail..

 

[Otto Moehrbach]

What do you mean you "can't sort it anymore"? Do you mean that you can't
sort it without having the same problem with the Data Validation cells? Or
do you mean you can't sort it, as in Excel will not allow you to sort it?
If it's the latter, how are you trying to sort it and what happens when you
do that? HTH Otto

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply; I meant that I once the validated cells are entered,
the order that it's in is the order that it needs to stay in.. same problem I
was having before with the validated cells not moving when they are sorted.

 

[Otto Moehrbach]

I can honestly say that I have no idea what you are talking about. Are you
saying that the sort order of the 4th column is somehow changing? Do you
want to sort by that 4th column again? Is that 4th column changing and you
need to sort by it again?
Do this. Post back and give me a blow-by-blow of exactly what is happening.
When you have done that, give me another blow-by-blow of what you want to
happen. Obviously you and I are on completely different tracks with this.
HTH Otto