Hi,
I want to create a data sheet in which the operator must enter a text name in one of the columns . However, I only want to allow the operator to be able to enter a predefined list of text names that I have set up in advance.

For example:
the heading of the column is "sales". When entering data into that column, I don't want the operator to be able to enter just anything but rather they are only allowed to enter (electronics,electrical, computer, and mechanical).

I understand taht one can use define name lists but I am really struggling to find help with how to define a name using text rather than working with numbers.

Thank you to anyone who can help me with this.

EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
Solution to the Annoying Flickering Problem When Updating Textboxes
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials...-annoying.aspx

john folmar wrote:
Hi,
I want to create a data sheet in which the operator must enter a text name in one of the columns . However, I only want to allow the operator to be able to enter a predefined list of text names that I have set up in advance.

For example:
the heading of the column is "sales". When entering data into that column, I don't want the operator to be able to enter just anything but rather they are only allowed to enter (electronics,electrical, computer, and mechanical).

I understand taht one can use define name lists but I am really struggling to find help with how to define a name using text rather than working with numbers.

Thank you to anyone who can help me with this.

EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
Solution to the Annoying Flickering Problem When Updating Textboxes
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials...-annoying.aspx


Have a look at this to see it helps:

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

You could set up data validation on the cells in that column, and
choose List for the Allow option - your list is
electronics,electrical,computer,mechanical.

Hope this helps.

Pete


On Oct 16, 12:06*am, john folmar wrote:
Hi,
I want to create a data sheet in which the operator must enter a text name in one of the columns . *However, I only want to allow the operator to be able to enter a predefined list of text names that I have set up in advance.

For example:
the heading of the column is "sales". *When entering data into that column, I don't want the operator to be able to enter just anything but rather they are only allowed to enter (electronics,electrical, computer, and mechanical).

I understand taht one can use define name lists but I am really struggling to find help with how to define a name using text rather than working with numbers.

Thank you to anyone who can help me with this.

EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
Solution to the Annoying Flickering Problem When Updating Textboxeshttp://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials/aspnet/7eeffdd9-11d4-4e48-beb2-3...

To limit a user to a specific list of items to be entered you could use Data
Validation Dropdown lists.

See Debra Dalgleish's site for instructions.

http://www.contextures.on.ca/xlDataVal01.html


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:06:48 -0700, john folmar wrote:

Hi,
I want to create a data sheet in which the operator must enter a text name in one of the columns . However, I only want to allow the operator to be able to enter a predefined list of text names that I have set up in advance.

For example:
the heading of the column is "sales". When entering data into that column, I don't want the operator to be able to enter just anything but rather they are only allowed to enter (electronics,electrical, computer, and mechanical).

I understand taht one can use define name lists but I am really struggling to find help with how to define a name using text rather than working with numbers.

Thank you to anyone who can help me with this.

EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
Solution to the Annoying Flickering Problem When Updating Textboxes
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials...-annoying.aspx

Hi,

Type Electronics, Electrical, Computer and Mechanical in G1:G4. Click on
the the cell which you want to validate and then go to Data Validation
All List and then specify the range as G1:G4. Click on OK. Now in that
cell he will only be able to enter any one of the 4 values.

Please note that a simple copy paste operation overrides data validation

Hope this helps.

--
Regards,

Ashish Mathur
Microsoft Excel MVP
www.ashishmathur.com

"john folmar" wrote in message ...
Hi,
I want to create a data sheet in which the operator must enter a text name
in one of the columns . However, I only want to allow the operator to be
able to enter a predefined list of text names that I have set up in
advance.

For example:
the heading of the column is "sales". When entering data into that
column, I don't want the operator to be able to enter just anything but
rather they are only allowed to enter (electronics,electrical, computer,
and mechanical).

I understand taht one can use define name lists but I am really struggling
to find help with how to define a name using text rather than working with
numbers.

Thank you to anyone who can help me with this.

EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
Solution to the Annoying Flickering Problem When Updating Textboxes
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials...-annoying.aspx