Problem with excel - how do I get rid of duplications in excel lists?

[MatB]

I am arranging a mailing list and have a few names in it that are duplicated.
Does anyone know how to filter / sift the names so that the duplicates are removed?
There are too many to do manually.
MatB

 

[xlhelp]

This should help:

http://www.cpearson.com/excel/deleting.htm#DeleteDuplicateRows

 

[udaisengupta]

Sorry Instructor, the link you advised does not exist anymore. Can you give us a hint ?
Best Regards,
Yours sincerely,
Udai.

 

[Hasit]

udaisengupta - the link does work. Try again, or copy it and paste it into your address bar.

 

[Zathras]

If the names are literally duplicated in that they are exactly equal, and if the names and addresses are in a database format (one field per column and one header row giving the field names), then you should be able to use a very powerful, but little known feature:

Select (from the menu bar): Data/Filter/Advanced Filter...

1. Click the radio button "Copy to another location"
2. Check the box labelled Unique records only
3. Specify a "Copy to:" range (Upper-left-hand corner is sufficient.)
4. Click OK.

If however, as I suspect, the duplicate names are not exact but have different spellings (Ave. vs Avenue, St. vs Street) you will need a different approach.

 

[udaisengupta]

Sorry Instructor. The link specified does work.
Best Regards,
Yours sincerely,
Udai.

 

[pkhoo]

udai,
link does work - am using ie 5.5
p

 

[Zig1]

An easy way to eliminate duplicates in Excel is to sort on the key field that contains the duplictes, then, in an empty colum create an equation to put in the word "Duplicate", if the prior row entry in the duplicate field is the same as the current row entry. Copy the formula to all columns, then Auto Filter and just look at blanks in the new duplicate column, or, delete all entries (using auto filter) that have the word "Duplicate".
If Duplicate in Column A, in B2 =If(A1=A2,"Duplicate","&quot

Not only will this identify duplicates, but it will identify if there are multiple duplicates.