Changing Where Data Validation List Boxes Open in Mac Excel 2004

[Skihde]

Hi All,

I'm running an app I created in Excel 2003 for PC and am trying to
convert a version of the app for Mac Excel 2004. My main problem in Mac
Excel 2004: I have data validation lists that open half-off screen
(they do not in Excel 2003 (PC)). Aside from inserting new columns
(which doesn't really work, I've tried), is there any way to force data
validation list boxes to open directly *below* or *on top of* the cells
they are tied to? My data validation list host cells are merged and
fairly wide (about a third of the screen, they are used for a series of
sentence comments), thus the drop-down list is wide as well. When the
drop-down list opens, however, it opens to the *left* of the wide
cells, thus "cutting off" half of the data validation list. Changing
the zoom of the view sort of works, but I'm open to any other ideas.

Thanks much,
Stephan

 

[JE McGimpsey]

I'm running an app I created in Excel 2003 for PC and am trying to
convert a version of the app for Mac Excel 2004. My main problem in Mac
Excel 2004: I have data validation lists that open half-off screen
(they do not in Excel 2003 (PC)). Aside from inserting new columns
(which doesn't really work, I've tried), is there any way to force data
validation list boxes to open directly *below* or *on top of* the cells
they are tied to? My data validation list host cells are merged and
fairly wide (about a third of the screen, they are used for a series of
sentence comments), thus the drop-down list is wide as well. When the
drop-down list opens, however, it opens to the *left* of the wide
cells, thus "cutting off" half of the data validation list. Changing
the zoom of the view sort of works, but I'm open to any other ideas.

The only way I've been able to replicate this is if the left-most of the
merged cells that contain validation are not visible (e.g., cells A1:E1
are merged, but the first visible column is B1). In that case the
validation list DOES open directly below the left-most merged cell.

Don't know that I'd call it a bug (i.e., a feature that doesn't work as
advertised), in that case, but it's certainly inconvenient. I also don't
know any way to force XL to change the location of the list.

If that scenario is not the case with your sheet, I'm not sure what's
happening...

Just for info, though, I almost never use merged cells in any of my
commercial applications. They're generally a pain in the neck, causing
selection, copy/paste, formatting, etc. difficulties. I'll add this
problem to my list.