Unique value from a column

Hi, was wondering if it is possible to retrieve unique data from a whole column of data. The situation is that I will have a column of data with unknown number of records as it always changes after each use. In this column, there will be a number of unique datas each appearing a different number of times. How can I retrieve the value of each of unique data to work with. Just to add on, the number of unique data will be different each time. And each data might be mixed around. For example Mary appear in the first 2 cells followed by John in the next 3 cells and Jim in the next 1 cell. Following which Mary will appear again. Well to sum it up I'm trying to get unique data to work with which is all around the place and appearing a random number of times. Appreciate if anyone is able to help.
Thank you

P.S. The reason I'm trying to get the unique data is that this project is to write a batch file which moves files to a folder and each name represent a folder. But each of this folder requires a document which only needs to be there once. So I'm trying to get the unique data so I can get it to move the document into that folder.