Editing Excel cells with Data Validation in Word.

[fabulousmegs]

Hello

Is there a way to import a linked column of data that has an associated data validation drop down into word, make the edits in word using the drop down feature, and then having it automatically update the excel file?

The background...
I am looking to make QaQc easier for my field crews(and myself) by creating a document in Word with the related excel file linked. I would like for the field crews to be able to edit in the word document and have it automatically populate in the excel file. Luckily, I have managed to figure that out....with one huge caveat.

My issue is that I can't seem to carry the data validation (specifically a drop down list) over from the excel document to the word document and I can't seem to get the "data validated cells" to update in the excel from the word document.

I can get the non validated cells to update, just not the ones with a drop down associated with them. This poses a problem because almost all of the data fields have a specific data validation drop down associated with them.

I have tried embedding the excel into the word document as an object and that just opens the excel file and I have to edit in the excel file and not the word document. I don't want them working in the excel file if I can help it.

I don't want them entering free text because almost every single field is associated with a drop down. I have to import the table into ArcGIS desktop and if they enter the fields incorrectly the the changes won't register.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.