Must Answer Data Validation Question

W

Wanna Learn

Hello The data validation box has three answers, blank space, Yes, No)
The answer must be either yes or No but they must answer the question. What
do I do so that the question is answered and not skipped? thank you
 
D

Dave Peterson

I use an adjacent cell that's formatted in a big, bold, red font.

=if(a1<>"","","<-- Please answer this question")

But why would you allow 3 answers in your data|validation list.

You could just use Yes and No, but it won't stop users from clearing the cell.
But it will stop them from choosing the blank.
 
W

Wanna Learn

Thanks Dave
This works fine. I use the blank so when the form is opened this particular
question does not have an answer but for some reason people tend to skip
this question. I have some rows hidden, and depending if the answer Yes or
No then the rows that apply will unhide. I do not want this question to be
skipped. Is this the right way to do it ? Again Thanks
 
D

Dave Peterson

You can select that cell and hit the delete key to clear the contents.

Personally, I don't like using space characters to make the cell look empty.

Formulas that depend on that cell need to be cleaned up.

=if(or(a1="",a1=" ",a1=" ", ......
or
=if(trim(a1)="", ...

to avoid the person who hits the space bar lots of times.

But I would use the adjacent cell with the warning--and even shade (or use
format|conditional formatting) to show that input cell in a different color
until it's filled in.
 

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