Maybe this recent post by Debra Dalgleish might be of help:

Although data validation doesn't support autocomplete, there's a sample
file here that provides a combobox from which you can select one of the
values from the data validation list. In the combobox, you can enable
autocomplete:


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


Under 'Data Validation', look for 'Data Validation Combobox'

--
Rgds
Max
xl 97
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GMT+8, 1° 22' N 103° 45' E
xdemechanik <atyahoo<dotcom
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Fred wrote in message
...
hi,

i've looked at the discussions about this topic, and i can't help but feel
someone must have created a better solution. does anyone know of a better
solution?

the problem is simple:
1. i have a chart of accounts list
2. i want to enter text that is likely to be in this list, and want
autocomplete to save keystroke effort by scrolling to that place in the
list, or at least autofilling, so i can then just hit enter.

thanks for any help here,

fred