Auto row numbering not functioning problem

Michele Deo

I created a new task list and set the auto row numbering in my first column, and set to document my tasks.  Saved the sheet and then moved on to other things.  The row numbering at this time is set correctly to 1 - 10 type of thing.  I then went and added additional rows at the bottom and the dates and then wanted to sort the rows so that the due dates became then ascending.  I have a title bar in the sheet, but I didn't select it for the date sort because that is a Title bar.  The rows sorted, but the auto numbering didn't reset.  I then tried to reset the auto numbering column, but their wasn't a reset.  So I deleted the column and then re-added.  Then the numbers started with 22.  Not sure why it did this.  Anyone have any ideas?

 

Michele

Kara Lumley

Hi Michele,

This is expected behavior - the auto-numbers will "remember" and start again from that last number even if you delete the column (or row(s) ) instead of re-setting. 

Thanks, 

Kara

Mike Wilday

It might be best, now that you have everything sorted, to put your data into a new sheet, then re-add the column numbering. 

J. Craig Williams

You don't need to move to a new sheet.

Convert the Auto-Number column to Text/Number.

Delete any text/number in the column that you don't want to keep.

Save it.

Close it (superstitious behavior).

Reopen it.  

Change back to Auto-Number with your desired settings. 

Save it. 

Empty cells will be updated with your new Auto-Number settings.

Craig

Mike Wilday

Great tip Craig! Thanks for sharing it with us.