Data Validation - Locking cells until another cell has been populated with any data (number or text)

[Detectiveclem]

I am trying to lock cells (starting from D16 to D2005) and only unlock the in cell in Column D cells when adjacent cells in column C has been populated with any data (text or numbers).

For example if C20 has NOT been populated then D20 remains locked and if any attempt to populate D20 will produce the Stop sign. If however C20 has been populated then D20 will be unlocked and no message will be displayed.

I would great appreciate any help with using the right formula in the custom data Validation which will allow this to work.

Thank you

 

[Peter_SSs]

Try this:
In Custom Data Validation, use the formula =C16<>"" and remove the tick from 'Ignore blank'

 

[Detectiveclem]

Peter, You always make things look so simple, I have been trying different formulas and none worked. Thank you once again for coming to my aid.

Cheers Paul

 

[Peter_SSs]

Peter, You always make things look so simple, I have been trying different formulas and none worked. Thank you once again for coming to my aid.

Cheers Paul

Cheers. Glad it worked for you. Thanks for the follow-up.