shortcut method for selection from a very long data validation list

[sivasarkar]

I have long drop down list from data validation of about 200 names, I have sorted it alphabetically a:z, to select a name at the middle or near bottom of the list say name is beginning with 'S' or 'T' every time I am to scroll down the list to select the required name. Is there any method to go straight to the required name starting with same alphabet ? say I want to select a name of Thomas., its position is at 179 of the list, it is difficult to scroll down the list all time, I want to open the data validation list and type T and the list list will automatically come to T, if there are so many T, I would type next alphabet h (in case of Thomas) and it would help me to shorten my search. Is is possible ? please help.

[JBeaucaire]

I had this same problem long ago and created the solution published here:

Data Validation - AutoComplete from a single list

The idea is you first click on a letter, then click the same cell again and get a list of all the names starting with that letter...
Clear the cell and you get the "select a letter" option again.

There's a sample file for you, too.