Filter list of names by letter

I have created a worksheet in Excel, the first column of which I would like to populate with names of people.

I want to be able to populate the names in a manner similar to data validation from a list. The list of potential names is quite extensive, so the enhancement to data validation I would like to include is the ability to filter the list by letter input. For example, I want to click in the first cell where a name will appear and have a drop-down box appear. When I enter the letter "s" in the drop-down list, I would like the list to show all the names beginning with "s". When I insert the second letter of the name, such as "m", I would like the drop-down list to be further narrowed to the names that begin with "sm", etc. At the point where the list is narrowed down enough, I want to click on the chosen name and have that name be entered in the cell.

Additionally, with the pressing of the "enter" key, I would like the active cell to advance to the next cell in the column for name input and the process repeat over again.

I have seen the Ozgrid, and it doesn't do what I want to do.

Can anyone help me? I am quite a novice at this, so if I could ask for your suggestions to be remedial I would appreciate it. I'm still quite new to a lot of VBA jargon.

Thank you so much for any help you can provide.

Sincerely,

Mark1011

What you are describing is called AutoComplete, but data validation does not support this. However, you can use a combo box instead to achieve this, and Debra Dalgleish describes all the steps on her website, here:

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal10.html

Hope this helps.

Pete

Hi Pete,

Thank you for your response. Neither the Ozgrid nor the Contextures links do what I want my program to do.

I know data validation doesn't support this, which is why I thought it necessary to resort to a macro. But I know nearly nothing about macros.

I have tried the code in both Ozgrid and Contextures, and neither produce the result I desire. I think it will have to be something from scratch, and I just don't have the know-how to do it.

Thank you for your kind assistance.

Respectfully,

Mark1011

hi Mark1011, I would not say that it is exactly what you want but may be it would be of some help to you.

Select any cell or cells in A column in the range A2:A10. Start entering a word in a form (sample word list consists of the words start with "t"). As you type suggestions will appear and if you are satisfied with the suggestion press "+ =" button. The typed word would go to the active cell/cells and next cell becomes active. To close the typing assistant form press Alt+F4

Thank you both for your help.

JBeaucaire, what you sent me is good, but it seems that I can only filter by 1 letter. I want the list to keep narrowing as I type in additional letters in the name. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.

Watersev, what you sent me is really cool. It is about the closest thing I've seen to what I want to do. Could I ask you to assist me in the code to make it work in my worksheet?

Thank you both very much!

Respectfully,

Mark1011

can you post your workbook with explanations?