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bcgierwi's avatar
bcgierwi
Copper Contributor
Dec 27, 2025

Not Allowing Entries to be blank

I have a cell that is formatted for a date that will get updated by the user (F4 Below).  And then column A is just copying that value all the way down.

I want to prevent the information in column A from being deleted accidentally.  It will likely be a hidden column, so accidentally deleting it is possible.  I tried data validation and rules, and they worked in all cases except if they are deleted.

How can I prevent A1 from being deleted, but still have the user be able to update the date in F4 and have A1 update.

 

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excel
Formulas and Functions

1 Reply

  • Lobo360's avatar
    Lobo360
    Brass Contributor
    Dec 29, 2025

    Select your whole sheet (by clicking into the top left corner) > Right click menu: Format Cells > Protection: Deselect Locked > OK

    Highlight the cells in question > Right click menu: Format Cells > Protection: Select Locked

    Main menu ribbon > Review > Protect sheet >
    Enter a password. 

    Now in it’s protected state, all of the sheet is editable but the chosen cells are not. 
    You can if you wish leave the default for the sheet cells to be locked and instead you select specific ranges that can remain editable. 

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