If you add a list of valid names somewhere, you could use Data|Validation. Then
you could choose from that list--no typing.

Debra Dalgleish has lots of notes about Data|Validation:
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

===
Another option (if your names are in a contiguous column):

Tools|Options|Edit Tab
check the "Enable Autocomplete for cell values"

This will look at the cells above and below to give you a list that matches what
you've typed. Ho could show you Hoover.

It's kind of like rightclicking on the cell and choosing "pick from
list"--another option!

And if you're really lazy <bg, you could use tools|autocorrect options.

Have $$ho replaced with Hoover
(some unique string replaced by the correct name)

You'll have to add all the names you want corrected, though.

Richard wrote:

Hi everyone - I run a track meet for twelve grade schools. My Excel score
sheet involves recording the winning student's name and school in one
section. In another section I compare the school name and award points for
that event if there is an exact match. The problem is if I misspell the
school name, the sheet fails to award any points. My function used (for
example, if the school name is "Hoover") is:
"=if (B6="Hoover", 10,0).
Is there a way to compare names with a wildcard so that a misspelling
doesn't doom my calculation. When typing fast, I might inadvertently type in
"Hover" instead of "Hoover." I would like to be able to use a wildcard such
as "Ho*" but can't seem to get that to work. Any thoughts?
--
Richard M. Perry

--

Dave Peterson