This method worked for me. With A,B,C,D in second column, I selected
the 4x2 range and dragged down then clicked a cell in the second column
followed by AZ sort toolbar button. I like the pivot table way though.

Another way is to use the office clipboard: copy first column (Ctrl+C
twice to activate), then copy second, third and fourth select a cell
and then Paste All.

Herbert Seidenberg wrote:

Dragging down A B C D with the fill handle will not repeat the set.
You have to hold down CTRL and then drag the handle.
Sorting will change the references, unless you have
absolute references or values.
Another way is to use reverse Pivot Table. See
http://j-walk.com/ss/excel/usertips/tip068.htm
and sort by Column.