Sounds like DataValidationList would do the trick.

Only what is on the list would be acceptable.

See Debra's site for DV lists. Note the section on naming ranges from other
workbooks/worksheets.

http://www.contextures.on.ca/xlDataVal01.html

Second point.................

There is no autocomplete function for DV lists.

You would have to use a combo-box with the DV dropdown to achieve autocomplete.

See Debta's site for more.

http://www.contextures.on.ca/xlDataVal10.html


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Wed, 9 Jan 2008 10:06:22 -0800 (PST), wrote:

I have thousands of suppliers. I don't want my employees to have
access to all of the suppliers' information. Just want them to have
access to name, number, email. I have set it up so that when the
employee types the name of the supplier into a cell, the row
automatically fills in the number and email. However, the supplier's
name must be typed into the cell EXACTLY as it is entered into the
master supplier list, which is in a different workbook which my
employees don't have access to. Is there a way to start entering the
name of the supplier, and after 1, 2, or 3 letters are entered, Excel
automatically refers to the suppliers list and completes the entry, or
gives 2 or 3 choices so the employee can just click on the name and it
will be entered into their list exactly as in the master list? I know
this is wordy, but I don't know how else to describe. Please, any
help is very much appreciated.
Thanks....