You could do this with programming. There's a sample workbook on my web
site that shows a product name and code in the Data Validation dropdown
list. After an item is selected, the cell shows only the product name.
You may be able to adapt this to your workbook.

On the following page:

http://www.contextures.com/excelfiles.html

Under Data Validation, look for "Data Validation Columns"

Excel list-display and data values wrote:
Using the list option from Excel: Data-Validation. Is there a way to have
different display and data values in the list.


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Debra Dalgleish
Excel FAQ, Tips & Book List
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html