Data entry form dropdown list?

[Howard Isaacs]

I have a fairly simple bookkeeping spreadsheet that is used to sum up data on
which supplier was paid what, on what invoice and for what material. The
supplier names and the materials are both stored as Data Validation lists for
dropdown menus attached to the appropriate cells. What I would ideally like
is to further minimize errors by using a data entry form. But I can't figure
out how (if?) there is any way to get such a dropdown into a form. If I use
the Form setup, the dropdown doesn't make it into the form.

So:
a) Can this be done the way I'm trying to do it?
b) If not, is there some other way to go about it.

TIA to all for advice.

 

[JE McGimpsey]

a) Can this be done the way I'm trying to do it?

Not using a data form.

b) If not, is there some other way to go about it.

Don't know if this will "minimize errors", but you can add validation to
a List (Insert/List). It doesn't really change anything on the
worksheet, but it provides some visual structure.

Alternatively, you could create a UserForm using VBA. This is the
solution I use in commercial apps. Here's a couple of references that
may help (they're directed for WinXL, but the concepts apply).


XL97: How to Use a UserForm for Entering Data
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=161514

Userform Tips
http://j-walk.com/ss/excel/tips/userformtips.htm