Formatting: Highlighting every other group of rows based on a columns data.

Hello all,

I am looking for some help, and while there may not be an easy way, I thought I'd ask.

I am trying to find a way to highlight groups of data based on a specific column. For example see the attached imaged:

example.jpg

This is a very simple mock up, and what I am working with is a data set that contains over 50,000 rows of "claims." Some claim numbers appear multiple times due to various reasons, but what I want to do is sort my data by the claim number, and then highlight every other grouping of the same claim number. This way, I can easily see each claim, and each of the occurrences. Other columns contain various data that I need to review to see why a claim appeared multiple times, so I do not want to just create a subtotal or anything like that. I need every claim visible.

I found this solution on an old thread, but it only works if the claim numbers are sequential with no gaps. Unfortunately for me, that is not the case.

You can use the built-in Conditional Formatting using the formula option and this formula:

=ISODD(TEXT(A2,"#"))

Assumes row-1 is a header row.

I appreciate any help anyone can provide!

I Just got this excellent solution from JP Ronse over on Microsoft's community forums:

You will need a helper column.

Customer Name	Customer Address	Customer Account Number	FALSE
Bob Jones	12345 Main St	3335551212	TRUE
Amy Jones	12345 Main St	3335551212	TRUE
Stacy Jones	12345 Main St	3335551212	TRUE
George Smith	77234 Chicago Ave	234567	FALSE
Henry Johnson	77234 Chicago Ave	234567	FALSE
Andrew Jackson	5343 Sommerset Lane	4234569845	TRUE
Andrew Jackson	5343 Sommerset Lane	4234569845	TRUE
Jason Anderson	64125 Pike Street	789456123	FALSE
Jason Anderson	17842 Michigan Ave	789456123	FALSE

This table in A1:C10, add in D1 FALSE and in D2: =IF(C2=C1,D1,NOT(D1)) and drag down.

Select the range A2:C10, conditional format, use formula, =$D2 and apply desired format.

This method comes from Chip Pearson

This solution worked like a charm. Here is a link to the tread if you'd like to see it: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/o...a-569ca462a1f8