Validation in Excel
Validation, free type, Excel 2003, Microsoft Excel
Can a cell have a validation rule from a list and also have the ability to free type in that cell? This is in Excel 2003. Question
Validation, free type, Excel 2003, Microsoft Excel
Can a cell have a validation rule from a list and also have the ability to free type in that cell? This is in Excel 2003. 
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I assume you are using Data Validation to create a list of valid entries for a cell. If so, you don't need to use the dropdown validation. As long as you type an entry from the data validation list, it will allow you to do so.
HTH,
JP
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Euhodos | May 17 2008 5:31PM GMT
Is the question - Can I have a list validation rule but still allow free text entries, say as an exception or in lieu of an “Other” list item?
If so, simply do not turn on the Error Alert (3rd tab of Data Validation). That way the user can still benefit from the drop-down list, but have flexibility to handle exception.
I don’t believe this is a good database management technique, but I’ve used it myself many times.
