Data Validation - clarification wanted

[Icy Pilgrim]

Hi all,

I'm simply looking for some clarity on how the Ignore Blanks option works within Data Validation. It was always my belief that unticking this would prevent the user from leaving the relevant cell blank. For instance, if the user deleted the contents of a validated cell but did not subsequently enter a replacement value. I'm fairly sure this is how I used it years ago when a cell on a form was mandatory.

However, playing around with this today and that doesn't seem to be the case (using the list option within DV)

Would really appreciate if someone can tell me how this should work.

Many Thanks in advance

IP

 

[Micron]

This reminds me of a similar and at first, seemingly illogical result in Access re: ignore nulls in a composite index. Putting the option selection into other words, blanks (in my case, nulls) are not even considered in validation or testing - they are, as the option states - ignored altogether.
HTH.

 

[6StringJazzer]

In a cell with data validation (any flavor), enter a valid value. If you do not check Ignore Blanks, delete that item and leaving an empty cell will not trigger an error. Why not?

I think that is what the OP is asking about.

 

[Peter_SSs]

Have a look at the 'Blank Cells in Source List' section here: Excel Data Validation Tips and Troubleshooting