You can do this with data validation.

Assume the range of interest is A1:D1.

Select the *entire* range A1:D1 starting from cell A1. Cell A1 will be the
active cell. The active cell is the one cell in the selected range that is
not shaded. The formula will be relative to the active cell.

Goto the menu DataValidation
Allow: Custom
Formula:

=COUNTIF($A1:A1,A1)<2

You can have a custom message appear when a user tries to enter an invalid
entry.
Select the Error Alert tab. Fill in the info. OK out

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"Football Express" wrote in
message ...
Still looking for the same result!
Is there a function / formula that will RECOGNIZE if a 3 letter word
(text)
has already been used in the previous (up to 17) cell(s) in the SAME ROW
and
would, in some way (ANY way), alert the inputter that the word has
already
been used.
The "word" is a 3 capitalized letter abbreviation of any one of the 32
football team towns abbreviated like CHI = Chicago, PHI = Philadelphia,
and
so on) and the "row" or string will grow by one cell each Sunday.
--
To those who have helped in the past and those about to help, Thank You.
There is an intregeing element to Excel that has captured me and that
stimulates my every remaining brain cell. Awesome