Conditional Formatting Problem

[bamaisgreat]

I have tried using conditional formating and it does not seem to do the trick. What Im needing is Example: If A1 contains the same data is A2 then fill the cells yellow. In conditional formatting when i do this the cells turn yellow, I need them to wait till there is data in them before they change not while there blank..Excel 2010 and 2003...thanks

 

[RonB1111]

=and(A1=A2,A1 < > "")

 

[bamaisgreat]

I get a message saying Microsoft wants to make the correction: =and(A1=A2,A1<"")

Also do I put this formula in A1 or A2?

 

[RonB1111]

Procedure to conditionally format cells:

1. Select the range of cells you wish to format. In this case select both A1 and A2.
2. For Excel 2010, click "Home-Conditional Formatting-NewRule" and then "Use a formula..."
3. Copy =and(A1=A2,A1 < > "") in the box below the words "Format values where this formula is true:" and then delete the spaces in the formula before and after the > and < signs. Do not accept Microsofts correction. The reason I have the spaces around the < and > signs is sometimes the MrExcel website deletes the rest of the line if I don't have spaces.
4. Click the "Format" button (it's just above the "Cancel" button) and go to the pattern tab and select yellow (or whatever color you want the cells to be shaded whenever the formula returns a "True" value). Then click OK, OK