how do i create a drop down list of items from a different file
 

I need to have a file that stores a list of projects. This file will be
updated on a regular basis. In another file I need to have that list
populated into a drop down selection. When the user opens the file it should
auto update any changes to the project list that is in the different file. I
have tried to do it using data validation but it will only pull the values in
if I have both files currently open. I would like to have the project list
file closed on a network and have the other sheet still pull the info in.

How can I get this to work?

how do i create a drop down list of items from a different file
 

Use a range in the drop down list workbook that directly references the range
in the 'closed' workbook, i.e.,

='[other book.xls]Sheet1'!A1
='[other book.xls]Sheet1'!A2

These formulas will work, even with 'other book.xls' closed, and use this
range of formulas as the list for your dropdown



"Profnutbutter" wrote:

I need to have a file that stores a list of projects. This file will be
updated on a regular basis. In another file I need to have that list
populated into a drop down selection. When the user opens the file it should
auto update any changes to the project list that is in the different file. I
have tried to do it using data validation but it will only pull the values in
if I have both files currently open. I would like to have the project list
file closed on a network and have the other sheet still pull the info in.

How can I get this to work?

how do i create a drop down list of items from a different fil
 

How do I enter it in? If I enter it as a list it tells me the formula is
invalid. If I enter it as a data validation list it says that I can't
validate outside data.

"Duke Carey" wrote:

Use a range in the drop down list workbook that directly references the range
in the 'closed' workbook, i.e.,

='[other book.xls]Sheet1'!A1
='[other book.xls]Sheet1'!A2

These formulas will work, even with 'other book.xls' closed, and use this
range of formulas as the list for your dropdown



"Profnutbutter" wrote:

I need to have a file that stores a list of projects. This file will be
updated on a regular basis. In another file I need to have that list
populated into a drop down selection. When the user opens the file it should
auto update any changes to the project list that is in the different file. I
have tried to do it using data validation but it will only pull the values in
if I have both files currently open. I would like to have the project list
file closed on a network and have the other sheet still pull the info in.

How can I get this to work?

how do i create a drop down list of items from a different fil
 

Open both workbooks, use Window / arrange / tiled. Now click on a cell in
one, type = and then click on a cell in the other. You just created a link.
Close the workbook you are linking to and you will now see the full filepath
in the formula. You can now copy this down as far as you like.

--
Regards
Ken....................... Microsoft MVP - Excel
Sys Spec - Win XP Pro / XL 97/00/02/03

------------------------------*------------------------------*----------------
It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission :-)
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"Profnutbutter" wrote in message
...
How do I enter it in? If I enter it as a list it tells me the formula is
invalid. If I enter it as a data validation list it says that I can't
validate outside data.=

"Duke Carey" wrote:

Use a range in the drop down list workbook that directly references the
range
in the 'closed' workbook, i.e.,

='[other book.xls]Sheet1'!A1
='[other book.xls]Sheet1'!A2

These formulas will work, even with 'other book.xls' closed, and use this
range of formulas as the list for your dropdown



"Profnutbutter" wrote:

I need to have a file that stores a list of projects. This file will be
updated on a regular basis. In another file I need to have that list
populated into a drop down selection. When the user opens the file it
should
auto update any changes to the project list that is in the different
file. I
have tried to do it using data validation but it will only pull the
values in
if I have both files currently open. I would like to have the project
list
file closed on a network and have the other sheet still pull the info
in.

How can I get this to work?