Excel: Undoing a Data Sort Without the Undo Command

 Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
Article ID: Q80998
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0

SUMMARY

It is possible to undo a Data Sort command even when the Undo command on the Edit menu no longer applies to the sort. This can be done by filling a column or row with a series of numbers prior to the original Sort procedure. This series of numbers is used to designate the original position of the data.

To undo a sorted column:

  1. Fill an empty column adjacent to the sort range with a series of sequential numbers. This can be accomplished easily with the Series command on the data menu.

  2. Sort your data based on the desired key. Remember to include the new column of numbers in the sort.

  3. To restore the data to its original position at any time, sort it again and use the new column of numbers as the sort key.

KBCategory: kbusage
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Additional reference words: 2.2 2.20 3.0 3.00 4.0 4.00

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Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
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