Conditional Formatting to Unprotect and Format a cell?

[Bugzbunny]

Hello,

I have an Excel 2002 question.

Is it possible to use a data validation for one cell which
checks for input (in my case the word "Other") in one cell
and then, if the validation is True, have the software
unprotect and format a different cell for additional input?

What I am doing is that I have a pull down list of four
items, the last of which is "Other". If the user
selects "Other", I want to be able to let the user enter
some additional information. I would like to be able to
unprotect a cell for the additional input (obviously I
have a protected page) and shade the cell so the user
knows where to start typing.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

bugz

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
this could only be done with VBA (using an event procedure). Is a VBA
solution feasible for you?

 

[Guest]

Frank,

The VBA solution is a bit over my head. I think I'll have
to come up with a less sophisticated (and less elegant)
solution.

I appreciate the information on VBA. Love that Frankfurt
airport-- spent a lot of time there.

Cheers,

Bugz

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

Select the cell in which you want the additional text typed.
Choose Data>Validation
Select Allow: Custom
In the Formula box, type a formula that refers to the cell
with the Data Validation dropdown list, e.g.:
=B3="Other"
Remove the check mark from 'Ignore blank'
Click OK

Choose Format>Conditional Formatting
From the first dropdown, choose Formula Is
In the formula box, type: =B3="Other"
Click the Format button

 

[Bugzbunny]

Debra,

Thanks, I will give that a try. It sounds much better than
what I had come up with.

Jon Martin

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

You're welcome. Unlock the cell in which users will be typing, and let
the Data Validation protect it. It's not fool proof (users can paste
invalid data into the cell), but it's easier than programming.