How do I unlink data from its source?

Question

One more question,

(So sorry to bother you again!)

Referring to this thread:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/mac/forum/macoffice2008-macexcel/searchingcombining-lists-in-excel/83d839a5-0497-48ee-9419-434453614087

Once I have the data, is there a way to "unlink" it from the source?

That is, how can I then move around the columns/data of the source list without affecting the new list?

Thank you again,

KM

[New question split by moderator from previously answered question]

Answer 1

It depends to a great extent on what you mean by "move around the columns/data".

The solution JE provided is based on a Lookup function which is just as dynamic as any other. It retrieves information from the source based on the unique identifier for each record. If you mean you want to sort and/or filter the main list you shouldn't have to break the 'link', the lookup should continue to provide accurate results.

If you really do mean cutting columns of data from the source & pasting them to a different location, that's a completely different story. It's not my business to judge :-) but I'm hard pressed to conceive of a valid reason for repetitively restructuring a list range. If the list range does need to be restructured I'd take care of that, then redo the lookup formula accordingly.

For a static copy of the "preferred" list, copy the range, then go to where you want the static copy but use Edit> Paste Special & select the Values option.

Regards,

Bob J.

Answer 2

Thank you very much!

-KM