WordPerfect help please.

pdr

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I've been sorting through names and addresses from Christmas cards and making a list in WordPerfect. Is there a way to get the computer to rearrange the list alphabetically or do I have to do it manually?

If there is a way, please could the expert explain in very basic and simple terms. I hate computers and don't understand how they work!
 
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How did you make the list? Like, did you type in info and hit enter, or did you use any tool?

There is definitely a way to sort if you insert a table for your info, for instance...
 

pdr

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Thank you.

I simply typed the list as I would a document. I did not use a fancy format or insert a table. Don't think I could do that actually. I use the darned computer like a typewriter!
 

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If you can put a tab between the lines of the addresses, and a Return/blank line between them, this might help.

Please only try this on a copy of your file, in case it doesn't work.

If it does work, you can then use search and replace to exchange the tabs for returns, so that your list will be in proper address format, and sorted.
 
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pdr

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Er...

Thank you so much for the information.

I'm with you as far as putting a tab and return between the lines.

BUT

Please only try this on a copy of your file, in case it doesn't work.
Does this mean in case the tab and return does not work?

AND

How do you use the search and replace to exchange the tabs for returns?
I can actually use the search and replace to find words. (This is an achievement so do not mock, all you techie people!) But I experimented and cannot use the tab or return buttons in the search and replace box.
 

Deleted member 42

Whenever you do anything on a computer that you can not easily undo, you work on a copy of the file. Always. This is an unchanging rule for everyone who uses a computer.

When in doubt, work on a copy.

There is a "code" in Word Perfect that tells WP you want it to search for a special character like a tab character or a Return character:

http://wordprocessing.about.com/cs/wpquicktips/qt/replacecodes.htm
 

pdr

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? Copies ?

Beginner question here.

When I open my WP, and then My Documents, and choose a file to open, isn't that opened file a copy of the original file?

Doesn't the original file sit there and remain unaltered until I save what I'm doing?

If not, what is a copy then?
 
ComicBent

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Yes, you can

PDR, when someone says "I hate computers," I know that trying to answer a computer question is going to be next to impossible.

But just to let you know ... Yes, you can take an enormous list and sort it alphabetically in WordPerfect.

You can sort on the first word in a line; the first word in a paragraph; the first word in the first cell in a table row.

The *Sort* feature is under TOOLS on the Main Menu.

You can also do *Find and Replace* on hard returns (the "Enter" key) and on tabs.

*Find and Replace* is under EDIT on the Main Menu.

If I were you, I would put the name/address/phone number/etc. in a table row. Put the LAST NAME and First Name in the first cell of the row, like:

JOHNSON Saul

ABLE Ronald

BETTLER Frank

Then you could have the address in the second cell of each row, like:

JOHNSON Saul | 238 Tenth St, Austin, TX

You could then use the sort feature on the first cell of the table rows to alphabetize everything.

Even better would be to use a spreadsheet like QuattroPro, which you may have if you have WordPerfect. Most computers have Excel, the most commonly used spreadsheet.

Good luck!
 
backslashbaby

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I totally didn't know that you could sort on a paragraph or line in WP! Well there you go :) Just make sure that all the info that goes with one person is in one paragraph, I'd think then. Otherwise, the Name Last Name will get separated from the rest of the info if there is an enter in there.

How do TABS count, y'all? Part of a paragraph?

I'm so sorry; I've just used tables for years and I've never supported WP as a Tech Girl.

For the Copy question, I think you have to make your own distinct filenames to create a copy in WP. So open the original, then Save As---> OriginalnameCopy, where you literally type in 'copy' [or ver1, etc] yourself for the new filename.
 

pdr

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Marvellous.

Yes, I can follow that, ComicBent. You have explained in nice basic terms.

I know that trying to answer a computer question is going to be next to impossible.
Believe me it is not if the answer starts at the beginning on the vey basic level of: '1st start up your computer.'

I occasionally teach SeniorNet which is teaching basic computer skills to the over 70s so they can e-mail their grandchildren and type their memoirs. We have no problems slowly and repetitiously going through the basics and we all hate computers! What throws us is the 'expert' computer buffs who rattle off a list of instructions assuming that we all know where and what each feature is and what they do. We don't, but once we are slowly and carefully led through the processes we can do it! We just don't enjoy it.

How do TABS count, and You can also do *Find and Replace* on hard returns (the "Enter" key) and on tabs.

Yes, I do not understand that either. If I press tab in the Find and replace box nothing happens.

Thank you, backslashbaby, for:
Copy question, I think you have to make your own distinct filenames to create a copy in WP. So open the original, then Save As---> OriginalnameCopy, where you literally type in 'copy' [or ver1, etc] yourself for the new filename.

I understood that the copy was what you recieved on the screen each time you opened up a file.
There is a separate copy function I come across does it do the same thing as saving a file under another name?
 
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There is a separate copy function I come across does it do the same thing as saving a file under another name?
Click to expand...

If you find it under File, yes. I have a few applications that have that as an option. Actually, they all give a name of "Copy of Filename," now that I notice it :)
 
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