If you want the user to enter a value into a cell - whether by direct input,
choosing a value from a dropdown list, or as the result of running a macro
-that cell will have to be unlocked (although the macro can unprotect the
sheet, put the data into the cell, and re-protect the sheet in a split
second). With data validation, the cell is unlocked but the user is limited
to what can be entered, and if the sheet is protected, the user can't remove
the validation. With a combobox or listbox control, only the linked cell has
to be unprotected. It can be in a hidden row or column (which the user can't
unhide) or on another (hidden) sheet. You could even add data validation to
the linked cell to make sure the user doesn't enter an incorrect value into
it.

Hutch

" wrote:

On Mar 19, 8:20 am, Tom Hutchins
wrote:
If you are getting that error message, then you didn't unlock the linked cell
before protecting the sheet. For each combobox:
- select its linked cell
- right-click and select Format Cells
- on the Protection tab, make sure Locked is unchecked
- click OK

Hutch

"Renee" wrote:
Not really. So here's my next challenge question. Is it possible, and if
so, how, to link the combo box in its properties to a cell in another
worksheet in the same workbook?

Here's what I've got: I've got two combo boxes that link to their own
respective cells, but when I go to protect the worksheet and then try using
the drop-down list combo boxes, I get, "The cell or chart that you are trying
to change is protected and therefore read-only...."

I'm thinking if I can put them on another worksheet, I can hide the
worksheet, but I just don't know how to do the link in the properties.

By the way, I have MS Excel 2007.

Any help would be grateful.

Thanks.

"Tom Hutchins" wrote:

If you mean a cell with a dropdown data validation list:
- select that cell
- right-click and select Format Cells
- on the Protection tab, make sure Locked is unchecked

If you mean a combobox from the Control Toolbox toolbar:
- set the Locked property of the combobox to False
- make sure the linked cell is not locked (same steps as for the data
validation dropdown above)

If you mean a combobox from the Forms toolbar:
- right-click on the combobox and select Format Control
- on the Protection tab, make sure Locked is unchecked
- make sure the linked cell is not locked (same steps as for the data
validation dropdown above)

Hope this helps,

Hutch

"Renee" wrote:

How can I protect a worksheet and still make my combo boxes work?

So, there is no way to truly stop a user from screwing up the entry?
I've been trying to get Validation or Combobox to do this for me, but
it seems that either way there has to be an unprotected cell. Is there
an option to force someone to choose from a specific list?