How can I re-alpha-sort my list of WORD documents?

Question

Somehow my list of WORD documents got un-sortred. I had it nice & neat alphabetically but when I went to open a document last week, all the files were in no particular order. I can't get to the proper sort scenario from the list because I can't toggle up to the top. Meanwhile, it's taking forever to find specific files because I now have to scroll through the entire list of documents stored. I haven't been able to find (or understand) any of the "help" options. I have an HP PC with Windows XP; I've never had my Word documents list un-sort like this before!! HELP!!!

Answer 1

You can sort on any column in a dialog box, but the dialog box has to be in Detail mode.  Try this:

1. Go into Word.

2. Click the File->Open menu item.

3. Navigate to the directory you want.

4. Click the listbox at the top of the dialog box next to the New Folder icon and select Details.

5. Click the Name column header.  The files will sort.  Clicking it again will sort in the opposite order.

You can sort any column by clicking on it.  This also works in Windows Explorer (My Computer).

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

The list in Word itself (at the bottom of the File menu) or the list in the folder?  If in the folder, right-click, select "Arrange Icons By" and choose "Name".

Answer 3

(I'm using Word 2003 for reference, your version may vary).  To the right above the list you should see a little blue and white square next to 'Tools', click on its arrow and select 'Details'. You'll get a new list where you can sort by name, and then you can set it back to 'list' to have it as it originally was displayed.