Data Validation/Drop down list automatic update

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dave Potter
  • Start date Start date
D

Dave Potter

Just a note: The hardest thing about posting a message is choosing a
good subject!


Well here's what I have and what i want to do.

Have: XL2002 (Office XP Professional)

I am using drop down lists with data validation.
When I change the names in the list, how can get excel to
automatically update the drop down lists.


for example:

list 1
Harold
Gina
David

If I select Harold from the drop down list and then go back and change
the name Harold to Jimmy, the drop down list still says Harold.
I would like it to automatically change to Jimmy.
Since I am not well versed in VBA, a simple to understand explanation
would be great.
TIA
 
Hi Dave

The drop-down list does update (for me, using XP) when you change one of the
list items, so I'm not sure what the problem is. Are you going through the
same process?

1. Produce list iof names in, say, A1:A4
2. Click in another cell, say B1
3. Data|Validation|Allow:List; Source: A1:A4

HTH, Phil
 
Phil,
Thanks for checking it out for me. Let me explain a little further and
see if you have the same problem.
The drop down list changes for me as well. If i select the drop down
list after changing the name to Jimmy, then Jimmy will be in the list.
However, what I would like to have happen is this:
First, the name Harold is in the list and I have selected the name
Harold from the drop down list so Harold appears in the Cell
containing the drop down list. Then I go to the list and change the
name Harold to Jimmy, however the name Harold still appears in the
cell from my previous selection. I would like it to say Jimmy without
having to open the drop down list and select Jimmy. Hope that makes
more sense.
Dave
 
It makes sense, but it doesn't work that way. Remember the name is data
validation. It validates what you enter - it doesn't touch what is already
in the cell. You would have to write a macro using the change event to
detect that Harold was changed to Jimmy, then check if any cell with the
data validation has the value Harold and make the change.

Regards,
Tom Ogilvy
 
Thanks Tom. I was hoping not to have to go back into the drop down
list and update the names since the list will change as employees are
hired and terminated. Could I format the cell containing the drop down
list to look in the list and return a name in a certain position on
the list (e.g. Harold is the first name, hence position 1, etc...)? I
am be stretching it here, I dunno.
 
it returns the list as you have it ordered. I don't believe there are any
other options.

Regards,
Tom Ogilvy
 
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