Automate pop-up error message for data validation purposes

**karl8695** · 07-18-2014, 03:51 AM

Hi all,

Excel spreadsheet, that contains several columns. Three of these columns contain text data that is selected by using a simple drop-down menu sourced from a list. If an attempt is made to enter text data not in the associated list an error message is displayed. Easy so far.

I need need to extend the text data validation across all three columns so that only specific combinations of the text in the three columns can be used which is reflected in a further list. These combinations will be counted elsewhere and so needed. Therefore, if i attempt to enter a combination of text columns that is not reflected in the list, this too will present an error message stating 'combination not valid', or words to this effect.

Thanks all

**karl8695** · 07-18-2014, 10:49 AM

Will an example of the data help, i will attach if necessary

**karl8695** · 07-21-2014, 07:08 AM

Ok, so i have had my hand slapped my the moderator for attempting to duplicate this thread. In my defence I thought that by had closing this thread i could repeat with a new thread, I was wrong so apologies to forum members.So here is my issue with more detail and an attached file to help with problem definition.

From the sheet labelled "Data" you can see that the each cell is populated from a drop-down menu generated from a list in the tab labelled "Lists".

If i try to enter anything in a cell that is not contained within the list then an automated error message is displayed.

My question is:

Can I automate a similar worded error message that is displayed if the combination of text across any of the three columns cells does not match any of the text combinations displayed in the List.

The combination of words shown in the highlighted row (Red) in my example does not exist as a valid combination in my list and therefore not wanted. However, individually each cell contains a word that is allowed according to the 'list validation' applied to each column and therefore possible to generate the combination. However, i would want an error message to pop-up that informs the user that the combination is not valid.

Thanks in advance