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Excel 2003: Adding dropdown list into column fields 2

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boaconstrictor

Programmer
Feb 21, 2002
19
CH
Hi, I have a table with several columns (Name, industry, leadsource, etc). The data will be filled in through other persons. In order to keep the data in the column "industry" consistent, I would like to add dropdown lists into the fields of this column.
Does anybody know how this could be achieved?

Thanks alot

boa
 
Sure! Take a look at data validation. If you have a lengthy list, here's what I would recommend.

1. Type the list into a 1 column wide table somewhere in your workbook, one list item per cell in the table column.
2. Select the entire list and give it a name. Insert>Name>Define>Names in workbook>[!]YourName[/!]
3. Select the cell or cells where you want to use a dropdown.
4. Click Data>Validation>Allow>List
5. In the source box, type [!]=YourName[/!]
6. Make sure In cell dropdown is check.
7. Click OK.

Voila!

Hope this helps...

Tom

Live once die twice; live twice die once.
 
Also, if you want your list to reside on a different sheet to that of the Validation cell{s} itself, you need to name the list and then use the name preceded by an '=' in the 'refers to' box when you set up the validation.

Regards
Ken..........

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[peace]It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission[2thumbsup]
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If your column is already populated, there is also the "Pick from dropdownlist" option when you right click a cell of this column.

Cheers
André
 
I should have clarified actually, my reply gives you the same method as Thomas' reply, but what I was trying to get over was the fact that whilst this is not the only way to reference a DV list, it is in fact the ONLY way to do this when the data is on another sheet.

Regards
Ken...............

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[peace]It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission[2thumbsup]
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