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.

Phyllis wrote:

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

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Dave Peterson