Cell error

**fiddles** · 02-24-2010, 07:32 AM

Hi all,

Im no pro at excel but trying to do something on a simple few forms ive created, basically what i would like to do is say if cell A1 is not filled out, the user can not enter data into any further cells that i specify. Lets just say for now cell A1 must be completed before any data can be selected/entered into cell A2.

Is there any easy way to go about this?

Thanks

Fid

**JBeaucaire** · 02-24-2010, 08:43 AM

1) Select the cell(s) you want to restrict to only work when cell A1 is filled in

2) Select Data > Validation > Allow: Custom > Formula: =$A$1<>""

3) Also uncheck the [ ] Ignore Blanks option

4) Click on the Error Alert tab and set the message you want

5) Click OK

Try it out.

**fiddles** · 02-24-2010, 09:41 AM

Thanks a lot for your reply JBeaucaire, say if i had a list validation on some of the cells, how would i go about putting the two together, for example i have a range called yesno. I have tried wrapping it inside each other to no effect and tried a couple of other things, if i find a solution sill post and solve this thread

Thanks again!

**JBeaucaire** · 02-24-2010, 09:45 AM

As for Data Validation, you get one per cell. But you can adjust your DV in the cell with the drop down to include it all in one.

1) Instead of manually putting the YES,NO list in the DV, put YES in Z1 and NO in Z2.
2) Highlight Z1:Z2 and use the Name Box to name those two cells Answers
3) Change your data validation in that cell to:

Allow: List > Source: =IF($A$1<>"", Answers)

If cell A1 is blank, the drop down won't appear. Make sure A1 isn't blank when you're trying to add that DV formula, then you can clear A1.