Forum Discussion
srugh
Dec 28, 2023Copper Contributor
Data validation dropdown list isn't working
Just recently, the data validation I have set up for my worksheets no longer shows a dropdown list or arrow in the cell for my users. You can start typing something in, and it will give options close...
- Dec 28, 2023
srugh I can't say that I have. One possible cause is that objects have been hidden for the entire workbook. Go to File > Options > Advanced, then scroll down to "Display options for this workbook:" and make sure "All" is selected under "For objects, show:".
Advanced Options
It's also a good idea to double-check the data validation rules to make sure "List" has been selected and the "In-cell dropdown" checkbox has been checked.
Data Validation List
If indeed the settings are correct, try clearing the data validation rules and recreating them from scratch.
Lastly, if Freeze Panes has been applied to the neighboring column (on the right) and the horizontal scroll position is too far to the right, the drop-down arrow may appear to be missing when all you need to do is scroll back over to the left.
Freeze Panes: Column D hidden by horizontal scroll position
If none of these suggestions apply to your situation, it's possible the workbook has become corrupted. You could try restoring the file from a backup (if available) to see if the problem exists in a prior version of the file; or, try recreating the data validation rules in a new worksheet to see if the problem persists.
Kind regards.
djclements
Dec 28, 2023Bronze Contributor
srugh I can't say that I have. One possible cause is that objects have been hidden for the entire workbook. Go to File > Options > Advanced, then scroll down to "Display options for this workbook:" and make sure "All" is selected under "For objects, show:".
Advanced Options
It's also a good idea to double-check the data validation rules to make sure "List" has been selected and the "In-cell dropdown" checkbox has been checked.
Data Validation List
If indeed the settings are correct, try clearing the data validation rules and recreating them from scratch.
Lastly, if Freeze Panes has been applied to the neighboring column (on the right) and the horizontal scroll position is too far to the right, the drop-down arrow may appear to be missing when all you need to do is scroll back over to the left.
Freeze Panes: Column D hidden by horizontal scroll position
If none of these suggestions apply to your situation, it's possible the workbook has become corrupted. You could try restoring the file from a backup (if available) to see if the problem exists in a prior version of the file; or, try recreating the data validation rules in a new worksheet to see if the problem persists.
Kind regards.
srugh
Dec 28, 2023Copper Contributor
That was the issue! Object display was set to 'Nothing (hide objects)'. No one but me should be messing with the sheet which is what caused the confusion but clearly something happened to change that setting. Thanks so much!
- djclementsDec 28, 2023Bronze Contributor
srugh Glad to hear it! You're very welcome 🙂