Protect Drop-down list from range of cells

[JF]

I know that if the drop-down list is formed from cells within the worksheet,
only those options can be used and no other text may be typed where the
drop-down list is formatted. However, I have 10 sheets with different
purposes, all utilizing the same entries in a drop-down menu. I've taken all
the same entries and put them into their own seperate worksheet at the end,
labeled the range, and have set all worksheet drop-downs to use this range of
cells for options.

Is there any way to protect the cells this way from not being typed in? It
seems that if the dropdown uses a range from a different worksheet, the cells
are not protected at all.

 

[NPell]

I know that if the drop-down list is formed from cells within the worksheet,
only those options can be used and no other text may be typed where the
drop-down list is formatted.  However, I have 10 sheets with different
purposes, all utilizing the same entries in a drop-down menu.  I've taken all
the same entries and put them into their own seperate worksheet at the end,
labeled the range, and have set all worksheet drop-downs to use this rangeof
cells for options.

Is there any way to protect the cells this way from not being typed in? It
seems that if the dropdown uses a range from a different worksheet, the cells
are not protected at all.

Have you tried using Data > Validiation instead, and choosing 'List'..
then typing your options as such;
Option A, Option B, Option C
Then you can just select the cell and drag it down to copy.

 

[covingj]

You can also name a range, and then use the name in the validation field.

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

If there are blank cells in the named range, users will be able to enter
any value in the cells with data validation.
To prevent this, select the cells with data validation, and choose
Data>Validation
Remove the check mark from Ignore Blank
Click OK