Hi,

I wouldn't let them anywhere near it because if you do it will end in tears!!

Lets say you 6 segment numbers are in column A. Protect that column so it
can't be altered. I think your number looks like this

123-456-789-986-654-321

Put this formula in (say) column C and drag down as required and once egain
ensure the column is protected.

=IF(B1="","",LEFT(A1,8)&B1&MID(A1,12,LEN(A1)))

Now let your people enter the new number in column B and you can apply data
validation to that column to ensure they input data of the correct length. As
soon as they populate column B then you get your new string in column C
--
Mike

When competing hypotheses are otherwise equal, adopt the hypothesis that
introduces the fewest assumptions while still sufficiently answering the
question.


"Twinspar" wrote:

I am developing a spreadsheet to be distributed to numerous individuals for
updating and returned to me to be compiled. I have a column for account
number which consists of a 6-segment number, each segment separated by
hyphens. I need recipients to edit the middle two segments and return to me.
I want to create another column that duplicates the account number string
except for the middle two segments, and either highlight the segments to be
edited or mask the two segments to ensure correct number of digits are
entered for the segments. How can I accomplish this?
--
Twinspar