i was successful in creating a drop down list on column B, and then creating
another drop down list on column C, which contains sub-items for the
selection of column A. i used the indirect function
(=INDIRECT(SUBSTITUTE(B4," ","")))in the data validation box and it worked
fine....

this time, I'm trying to move out the worksheet into another workbook, but
have the sources remain in the original workbook. i did this by copying the
worksheet to a new workbook, however,, when i try out the data validations i
made on the new workbook, only the data validation of column B is working,
while the data validation for column C( which has the
"=INDIRECT(SUBSTITUTE(B4," ",""))" function in the data validation
source)isn't working, it just shows the drop down arrow, but doesn't drop
down and the choices for it does not show....

anyway i can make this work?

this discussion groups have been a great help for me, without this, i
couldn't have gone far with this project i'm working on...hehehe...