Thanks,

That did the job.. although it doesn't automatically update unless I access
the cell. w/ a little function work I got the matching to user and email
address to work and created a simple macro to auto activate the cell.
thanks again.

I have another post out here that maybe you could give a quick shot at...
same project, i have a Word doc. inserted as an object for a comment field.
if i protect the sheet I cannot edit the doc. If I unlock the object and
protect the sheet, I can edit the doc but it can be accidentally moved. Is
there a way to lock position w/out locking entire object?

thanks,
Dave