set default value using data validation

**hai_krk** · 08-27-2009, 02:17 PM

Hi,

Is it possible to setdefault value using data validation.
I have 3 values not done,done ,ignored in data validation. i want 'not done' to be the default value. how to do this. im using this in Conditional formating to check the condition

**JBeaucaire** · 08-27-2009, 02:22 PM

Before applying the data validation, you can enter a formula into the cells to show the default value when the row is active. Let's say the key column is A, when you start filling out data in column A, this default value should appear.

First, enter a formula like:
=IF(A2="", "", "not done")

Copy that down your column.
Now apply the data validation to the same cells.

Anytime you start a row, "not done" will appear, but you can use the DV drop box to change the value. When you do, the formula that was there is now gone for good.

**hai_krk** · 08-28-2009, 02:34 PM

HI
Thanks for your reply . can i use combo box instead.
I it possible to check the status of this column in conditional formatting then hw to do it.

**visionxcl** · 10-24-2012, 12:00 AM

I had a need for a default value in a datavalidation list. I also however was satisfied for my purposes if a macro was used to create the default.

As I had on another sheet an initiating event using a combox (any place where a macro is already assigned and can be triggered will do, or you can create an assign macro object (like a shape or textbox) I simply recorded a macro starting on the sheet of the assigned macro I was using; went to the sheet where my datavalidation list is located and selected the cell of that list; I then simply typed in the default value i wanted; went back to the sheet my assigned macro was on, and stopped my recording.

I went into the assigned macro that was the triggering event for setting the default, and just added callmacro ___.

Now when the initial macro i use is triggered, my validation list "automatically" is reset to a default value, and the user still has the option to click onto the drop down list and overrride.

Since my val list is dynamic this prevents a previous selection - say row 18 - that might now become invalid - the list may only go to 13 - from invalidating my list; otherwise it would be invalid until the user recognized they selected a drop down value not currently available and manually would have had to reset the list.