Let's assume the drop down is in cell A1 and the selections for the drop
down are 1,2,3,4,5.

List the selections in a range of cells, say, F1:F5.

Enter this array formula** in cell G1:

=INDEX(F$1:F$5,SMALL(IF(F$1:F$5<A$1,ROW(F$1:F$5)) ,ROWS(F$1:F1))-ROW(F$1)+1)

** array formulas need to be entered using the key combination of
CTRL,SHIFT,ENTER (not just ENTER). Hold down both the CTRL key and the SHIFT
key then hit ENTER.

Copy down to G5

Create ths defined name

Goto the menu InsertNameDefine
Name: ListRange
Refers to:

=$G$1:INDEX($G$1:$G$5,COUNTIF($G$1:$G$5,"<#NUM!") )

OK out

As the source for the drop down use =ListRange

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"Michelle" wrote in message
...
I have a cell with data validation drop-down in it. If I've already chosen
an item the list opens next time with tht item at the top of the list -
can't see the ones at the top unless I scroll up.

I want it to open showing the beginning of the list each time. Can I
control how it opens?

I am OK with a VBA solution if that's the only way to do it, too. but how
would I control that drop-down with code?

Thanks

M