We have a need to create a drop down list that references data in another
workbook. We have found the help file that explains how to do this but, when
we get to the very last step a message box appears with the text "You may not
use references to other worksheets or workbooks for Data Validation
criteria". Now this is incorrect, because the same help file also explains
how to do it from antoher worksheet in the same work book and that works
fine. The help also explicitly says you can do it. Anyone know how to
correct this. I'm using Excel 2003 Basic Edition with SP2

You can't use a reference to another workbook or worksheet if you use say
=Sheet3!A1:A20, but you can if you name the range Sheet3!A1:A20 to 'MyRange'
or whatever you want to call it,
Regards,
Alan.
"Keith Jenkins" <Keith wrote in message
...
We have a need to create a drop down list that references data in another
workbook. We have found the help file that explains how to do this but,
when
we get to the very last step a message box appears with the text "You may
not
use references to other worksheets or workbooks for Data Validation
criteria". Now this is incorrect, because the same help file also explains
how to do it from antoher worksheet in the same work book and that works
fine. The help also explicitly says you can do it. Anyone know how to
correct this. I'm using Excel 2003 Basic Edition with SP2

Debra Dalgleish has instructions on her web page for this:

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal05.html

--
HTH,

RD

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"Keith Jenkins" <Keith wrote in message
...
We have a need to create a drop down list that references data in another
workbook. We have found the help file that explains how to do this but,
when
we get to the very last step a message box appears with the text "You may
not
use references to other worksheets or workbooks for Data Validation
criteria". Now this is incorrect, because the same help file also explains
how to do it from antoher worksheet in the same work book and that works
fine. The help also explicitly says you can do it. Anyone know how to
correct this. I'm using Excel 2003 Basic Edition with SP2

Keith

Help also states that you must use a defined name when the source is on another
sheet or workbook.

Also other workbook must be open.

See the other post giving a link to Debra's site.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Tue, 19 Sep 2006 15:07:02 -0700, Keith Jenkins <Keith
wrote:

We have a need to create a drop down list that references data in another
workbook. We have found the help file that explains how to do this but, when
we get to the very last step a message box appears with the text "You may not
use references to other worksheets or workbooks for Data Validation
criteria". Now this is incorrect, because the same help file also explains
how to do it from antoher worksheet in the same work book and that works
fine. The help also explicitly says you can do it. Anyone know how to
correct this. I'm using Excel 2003 Basic Edition with SP2

Is it possible to do such thing without opening the file ?

I am talking about the function developed by some one - indirect.ext .

I need to do thiw without opening the file.



"Gord Dibben" wrote:

Keith

Help also states that you must use a defined name when the source is on another
sheet or workbook.

Also other workbook must be open.

See the other post giving a link to Debra's site.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Tue, 19 Sep 2006 15:07:02 -0700, Keith Jenkins <Keith
wrote:

We have a need to create a drop down list that references data in another
workbook. We have found the help file that explains how to do this but, when
we get to the very last step a message box appears with the text "You may not
use references to other worksheets or workbooks for Data Validation
criteria". Now this is incorrect, because the same help file also explains
how to do it from antoher worksheet in the same work book and that works
fine. The help also explicitly says you can do it. Anyone know how to
correct this. I'm using Excel 2003 Basic Edition with SP2

INDIRECT.EXT is a function form Laurent Longre's Morefunc Add-in and should work
with a closed workbook.

Do you have the add-in installed and loaded?

Post the DV formula you are using.


Gord


On Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:43:01 -0700, Rupesh
wrote:

Is it possible to do such thing without opening the file ?

I am talking about the function developed by some one - indirect.ext .

I need to do thiw without opening the file.



"Gord Dibben" wrote:

Keith

Help also states that you must use a defined name when the source is on another
sheet or workbook.

Also other workbook must be open.

See the other post giving a link to Debra's site.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Tue, 19 Sep 2006 15:07:02 -0700, Keith Jenkins <Keith
wrote:

We have a need to create a drop down list that references data in another
workbook. We have found the help file that explains how to do this but, when
we get to the very last step a message box appears with the text "You may not
use references to other worksheets or workbooks for Data Validation
criteria". Now this is incorrect, because the same help file also explains
how to do it from antoher worksheet in the same work book and that works
fine. The help also explicitly says you can do it. Anyone know how to
correct this. I'm using Excel 2003 Basic Edition with SP2