Creating a dropdown w/ allowed values in a separate workbook

I have multiple users that will each have multiple files for which certain cells will have drop downs for allowable entries.

I want to create and maintain the list of allowable entries in a separate workbook.

I understand this separate workbook will need to be open in order for this to work with each file. I'm planning on recording a macro to automatically open it with the affected files.

I defined a name for the list of values in the separate workbook, then used the name as the source for the list of allowable values in a different workbook. I get an error message that says "You may not use references to other worksheets or workbooks for Data Validation criteria."

I am following the instructions in excel help for creating a dropdown list from a range of cells, specifically the portion that states "Use a different worksheein in a different workbook: Type a list on that worksheet, and then define a name with an external reference to the list."

Anyone know how to make this work?

Originally Posted by ratcat

Does this help ?

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal05.html

Yes, thanks so much. Not sure what was wrong with my original attempt, but it is working now!