Forum Discussion
Serial Locking
I have an array of data in a column in the form, 1/20-21 2/20-21 3/20-21 4/20-21 5/20-21 6/20-21 7/20-21 8/20-21 9/20-21 10/20-21 11/20-21 12/20-21 13/20-21...
Since your data set is neither Number nor Date , are a uncommon/customize list then the best I would like to suggest is,, in any blank range create list from 1/20-21 to 100/20-21 or which ever is suitable to you.
Select the data range where you want to enter Serial no ( here is AF2:A16), then Go to Data Validation and for Criteria, select the LIST, and select the data range (here is Y2:Y16) where you have stored your custom list,, and finish with Ok.
Another should use this formula, for data Validation as CUSTOM option, will help you to maintain UNIQUE Serial number list and will check and validate first 2 digits only,,, and allow the pattern /20-21 with all.
=COUNTIF($A$2:$A$100, A2)<=1Note:
- Range A2:A100 where you want to enter Serial number.
- Start with 1/20-21 in A2 and continue.