Sorting Validation dropdown lists (XP)

[sdckapr]

Welcome to the lounge!

I am afraid I don't understand how the Vlookup relates to a "dropdown" box.

What kind of dropdown box is it?
On a sheet:
Data validation, combo box from Forms toolbar or combobox from controls toolbox
Combobox on a form

How are you filling the entries in the combobox?

Vlookups do not require a sorted list (if you want an exact match, it is required for an approximate match).

Steve

[HansV]

Welcome to Woody's Lounge!

The sort order of the dropdown list for Data Validation is always the same as that of the source range, so you must sort the source range if you want the dropdown list to be sorted. There is no magic setting to sort the dropdown list.

I don't understand what your question has to do with VLOOKUP.

[Esther]

That answers my question. Thanks for that. I will have to sort the source data regularly
Thanks again
Esther

[Esther]

Subject edited by HansV for future searches. The question is not about VLOOKUP.

Another VLookup question.
I have this spreadsheet with VLookup and its all working fine. However, is there a way I can have the information in the dropdown box to be in ABC order. I'm not all that fussed about the information in the actual list to be in order.
At the moment it shows as added to the list.
I've been checking other post etc. and I feel I have to add somehting in the data validation box.. but what ???
Thanks
New lounger Esther

[maxflia10]

Attached is a sample file for sorting a list, using a "few" formulae. This I got from Aladin!

[HansV]

See the attached demo workbook. I used the formula proposed by Jan Karel <!profile=Pieterse>Pieterse<!/profile> in the thread starting at <post#=257175>post 257175</post#> to create a copy of the list that is automatically sorted. The sorted list in column B has been hidden.

Note: there should be no gaps in the unsorted list and the names should be unique. You can add new names (up to a total of 50).

[Esther]

That is just what I needed. Thanks so much for all your help

Esther

[maxflia10]

Hans,

Very nice! I have saved the demo workbook thank-you!

Aladin's solution, which is a bit longer, does handle gaps and duplicates.