How do I force values in a cell in excel?

P

Phyllis

I have a simple list of categories that I have put into a drop down list. I
have checked off the Error Alert box under validation and entered a warning
message. I want to force the user to either choose a category from the drop
down list or type it exactly as it appears in the drop down. From all I've
read it seems that all I have to do is check that Error Alert box, but it's
not working. I have tested it and when I enter something that is not part of
the list it just lets me continue. No warning message or anything.

What am I doing wrong?

Phyllis
 
C

CLR

Be sure you set the Data > Validation feature for "Allow List".....then it
will only permit those items on the list, which you establish elsewhere, out
of the way.

Vaya con Dios,
Chuck, CABGx3
 
K

Kevin B

I the "Show Error alert after invalid data is entered" checked off? If it
isn't, no error message will appear.
 
P

Phyllis

I have "List" chosen.

Phyllis

CLR said:
Be sure you set the Data > Validation feature for "Allow List".....then it
will only permit those items on the list, which you establish elsewhere, out
of the way.

Vaya con Dios,
Chuck, CABGx3
Click to expand...
 
P

Phyllis

Yes, this is checked off.

Phyllis

Kevin B said:
I the "Show Error alert after invalid data is entered" checked off? If it
isn't, no error message will appear.
Click to expand...
 
C

CLR

Have you validated the "list" by clicking it in to the "source" window
provided?

Vaya con Dios,
Chuck, CABGx3
 
P

Peo Sjoblom

How is your list referred to

=$A$1:$A$10

=MyList

or something else, if you type in the list values directly you don't need
the equal sign
but you need to use comma as delimiter



--
Regards,

Peo Sjoblom

Portland, Oregon
 
D

Dave Peterson

The user can always clear contents of that data|validation cell.

You could have some worksheet event that issues a warning when it's cleared...

But I just like to use an adjacent cell with:

=if(a1<>"","","Please fill in A1!")

I make it big, bold, red letters.
 
P

Phyllis

I'm not sure if I know what you mean by validating it in the "source" window,
but I do have the list name in the "source" section of the "data validation"
area. Is this what you mean?

Phyllis
 
P

Phyllis

Hi Peo,

I refer to my list by: =Category

Peo Sjoblom said:
How is your list referred to

=$A$1:$A$10

=MyList

or something else, if you type in the list values directly you don't need
the equal sign
but you need to use comma as delimiter



--
Regards,

Peo Sjoblom

Portland, Oregon
Click to expand...
 
P

Phyllis

Thanks Dave! I don't want to allow blanks either and will incorporate this
as well.

Phyllis
 
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