If using a Data Validation List Dropdown, there is no Autocomplete function.
Debra Dalgleish shows how to use a Combobox in conjunction with the DV in
order to enable autocomplete.
http://www.contextures.on.ca/xlDataVal10.html
An alternative using a couple more cells comes from Ashish Mather
Please take a look at question 44 of the following link -
http://ashishmathur.com/replies.aspx
Another method......................
When setting up the List make sure your List is sorted alphabetically then
add a single letter at top of each group of items like A, B, C etc.
Then type a letter, say H, in the dropdown..........don't hit ENTER but
click on the arrow.
You will be taken to top of "D" items.
Thanks to Howard Kittle for this.
Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP