Data Validation

M

MLK

I have entered some error checking formulas into a worksheet to ensure the
user is aware that someone was missing or entered incorrectly. However, the
user must look at the error columns to see the messages (they can filter on
the columns for the messages).

If the user forgets to look at the messages, is there a way to display a
popup warning message for errors? I would like to stop them from saving
the sheet with errors.

I tried using data validation, but it appears to require a user to manually
enter values. I'm already using the max conditional formatting for other
purposes.

Any tips?
 
R

raypayette

Try data validation again. The limits set can be copied for whole
columns by clicking Paste special and Validation option button.
 
D

Debra Dalgleish

You could use programming to display a message.
Or maybe you could have one cell in a prominent location that counts the
error messages in the error column. Use conditional formatting on that
one cell, to alert the user to check for errors.
 
M

MLK

Thanks. Thats exactly what I have been doing - except I can't use
conditional formatting as I am already using up the formatting limit for
another purpose. I'm not all that comfortable with VBA yet. Was hoping
there was something else I was missing.
 
M

MLK

Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean. I'm not copying/pasting any columns.

Warning messages are automatically generated (from formulas) based on user
input from other columns. For example, if they miss entering a key date, a
message is generated in a column stating that a date entry is required.

Currently, they are supposed to review the messages before saving the file,
but this doesn't always happen.
 
D

Debra Dalgleish

If you're creating a formula in an unused cell, it shouldn't have any
previously applied conditional formatting. You could create one
condition, specifically for this cell.
 
M

MLK

I see what you mean. The conditional formatting I apply right now is to all
the columns - so that they can't be missed. The error checking I have is way
at the end of the spreadsheet and someone still has to slide way over to the
end to see any additional color coding for the errors. If they don't, the
errors get missed. Too bad conditional formatting is limited to only a few
conditions.
 
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