Shorten list in a Dropdown (data validation) list

[mark hansen]

I have a very long list of people I need to select from and have set up a way to shorten the list by typing in a few letters and then hitting the dropdown box to see what matches. Works well.

My question is... it seems the worksheet needs to be unprotected for this to work. Is this correct? Am I overlooking something? I've used the same technique before and I'm able to protect the sheet.


I use 3 "helper" columns to weed down the list for data validate box. If the sheet is protected, when I type the short text, the value doesn't take affect on the helper columns until I move off the cell. Clicking on the drop down arrow doesn't send the value to the helper columns. If the sheet is unprotected, it sends the value when I click on the dropdown arrow.

Any suggestions regarding what I should look at?

Thanks for any ideas,
Mark

 

[mark hansen]

Does anyone have any ideas? the project that needed this was canceled, so it went to the way side. Now on another project, I could use this solution to work again. I have it working in another workbook but don't remember how I got around the protection.

During testing in the new project, it all works well, until I protect the sheet, then the formula that pulls the entry doesn't take affect until I move off the cell.

What setting could I be overlooking?
Thanks for any insight.

 

[mark hansen]

Well, after walking away from the current project for supper... I though I'd give the protection a second look. By unchecking Edit Objects, the sheet can be protected and the drop dows work as expected. As I type a few characters, I can use the drop down and the long list is shorten to just what matches the entered text.

Sorry to bother the experts again.
Mark