How to get the +/- (collapse/expande) box to follow grouped rows when sorted?

[Bob McCusker]

Hi -

I am sorting rows, some of which are grouped. When I do, the collapse/expand box to the left of the grouped rows stays in its original location, whereas it would help tremendously if it followed the grouped rows around.

I basically have a task list with tasks, due date and priority columns. What I want to do is be able to add a task that is really a multi-step project, then group those sub-tasks under the project entry and still be able to sort by due date and importance. Perhaps knowing the context of my request, someone may know a better way than the one I'm currently trying.


Regards,
Bob

[brynbaker]

There is no way for Excel unaided to do what you ask. Sorting of grouped rows presents dificulties, as sort works on individual rows.
Probably your best solution is to add a helper row that contains the key values on which you sort suffixed with something to keep subsidiary rows together. Suppose your data is like this: the final column is easily constructed and you ungroup, sort on that column, then regroup.
Book1.xls