Excel drop down list that only changes the color of the cell but not the text in the colum

[Raouf123]

I have a dropdown list of colours. i want to mention dates in the column yet have a dropdown list of colors and on selecting a color i don't want the dropdown to over write the date or any text i enter in the column
in short When selecting the color from the drop down list it should change the cell color only and not the data within.

basically the concept is i have some headings, and ones those task are done for 150 people, those i will be mentioning dates in the column
i want drop down list (color Red yellow Green) in those column that will indicate if that date was entered in the database software (red indicate no started, yellow indicate in process or delay and green completed)
depending on the update of the data i will choose the color fo the column that has dates in it
i don't want the color to over write the dates.

[davsth]

Please attach a sample as per the Yellow Banner, showing your before and after. and your logic for the cell colouring

[bebo021999]

Welcome to the forum

Please attach a sample workbook (not a picture or pasted copy). Make sure there is just enough data to demonstrate your need. Include a BEFORE sheet and an AFTER sheet in the workbook if needed to show the process you're trying to complete or automate. Make sure your desired results are shown, mock them up manually if necessary.

Remember to desensitize the data.

Click on GO ADVANCED and then scroll down to Manage Attachments to open the upload window.

[Beamernsw]

I believe you'll want to use conditional formatting for the cells. It should look at the cell with the colour name and apply that colouring to the required cell.
Since it is only looking up a word for the colour, you could instead have your drop-down have the words "Not Started, Process, Delay, Completed" next to the cell you require coloured and the conditional format would apply the correct colour you set up.