EXCEL2007,searchable dropdown lists

[SiegGreeff]

EXCEL2007. I want to create multiple searchable drop down lists, each on a row below the previous one, on the same worksheet, but all using data from the same list. (the list of data is an inventory of a hardware store) the searchable drop down lists , 12 of them, are on the input screen for an invoice.

So the person processing the invoice needs to select an item from the drop down list [the data from the inventory] then input the quantity and the price. Then the next item in the next row will be the next searchable drop down list getting the data from the same inventory... and so on and so on. The prices will be input manually.

I have managed to set up a searchable drop down list in the first row, under the heading "ITEM DESCRIPTION" WHICH WORKS FINE, but when I copy the drop down list to the next row. it is no longer searchable and I can only get a complete list of all the stock in my inventory. I have used the following formulas:
COUNTIF
OFFSET
IFERROR(VLOOKUP(ROWS .....
IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH ....... MAX
together with data validation to set up the searchable drop down list.

I did the above learning from several forums on the internet, but my knowledge of actual programming in excel is extremely limited.

 

[Learner2015]

Hi Sieg,

I am having the very same problem with my searchable drop down list - did you manage to resolve?