Removing Duplicates Function in Excel 2007

[J_Kelley]

I have a worksheet where I have the records sorted in a particular order. I am using the remove duplicates function within Excel 2007. I am hoping that it will automatically keep the first record found for each set of dupes. Can anybody confirm if this will be true.

 

[VoG]

I may be exceptionally thick but why does it matter which record it keeps if they are duplicates?

 

[J_Kelley]

I am only using one column to determine whether its a dupe or not. My goal is to keep the record with the most recent printed date. I have my worksheet sorted so that this record is always on top. So my question is, Does anybody know if the Excel function will always keep the first record that is found in the dupe set?

Order #, Order Date, Printed Date
12345, 1070527, 1070727
12345, 1070527, 1070623

 

[Gerald Higgins]

In that case, why not try it and see ?

 

[QuietRiot]

if you sort by date first it should keep whatever is at the top assuming now that it works from bottom up

 

[J_Kelley]

I have tried it and it seems to be the case but I have too many records to check them all. I was hoping that somebody would know for sure.

 

[Gerald Higgins]

If you wanted to double check, you could do so like this.
First, sort the data so that it is in the order you said.
Then, put this formula in row 2 of a helper column (assumes your order #s are in Col A, starting on row 2)

=if(A2=A1,0,1)

This will put a 1 on the first record, and a zero on any duplicates (including multiple duplicates).
Copy this formula all the way down, then copy the whole column and paste special, values.
Then extract the duplicates, and do a Data, AutoFilter on what you've got left. You should have only 1s left over in your helper column, which you can then delete. If you've got any 0s, something's gone wrong . . .

 

[J_Kelley]

Thanks Gerald. That's a great idea I'll do that now.