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gen_zazz's avatar
gen_zazz
Copper Contributor
Nov 07, 2023

An unsuccessful sort

I've been reading discussions about sort problems but have been unable to solve mine. I've created an excel table that knits together about a dozen separate excel files. They are now all in one file. But when I select a column for sorting, it will only allow me to highlight and sort the entries from one inserted file at a time.

 

I'm wondering if there is some way to remove whatever is identifying these entries as having come from different sources so that I can sort them as one, unified file.

 

I'm using Windows 11, Excel version (Version 2310 Build 16.0.16924.20054) 64-bit.

 

Thanks!

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor

    gen_zazz 

    The issue you are facing might be related to the way the data from different files was consolidated into a single Excel file. If the data from different files is still treated as separate tables or ranges within the Excel workbook, you will not be able to sort them as one unified file.

    To resolve this, you will need to ensure that all the data is part of a single contiguous table or range within your Excel file.

    Here is how you can do that:

    1. Open your Excel file.
    2. Select all the data from the various files and ensure it's in a single contiguous range.
    3. With the data selected, go to the "Insert" tab on the Excel ribbon.
    4. Click on "Table" to convert the selected data into an Excel Table.
    5. If you are using an older version of Excel, you may see a dialog box that allows you to confirm the range and specify whether your table has headers. Ensure your settings are correct and click "OK."

    Once you have created a Table, you should be able to sort your data as a unified file, regardless of its source. If there are still issues, please ensure that there are no blank rows or columns separating the data, as this can prevent proper sorting. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

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