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G_Kealey's avatar
G_Kealey
Copper Contributor
Nov 05, 2020

Data Validation Drop Down List not Saving

I create a Data Validation Drop Down list in Excel, and it works while I have the workbook open, but if I save and close the Excel 97-2003 Worksheet file, then re-open the file, it does not work. When I click the down arrow nothing happens. It is like it does not save the connection to the table. Anyone know why this is happening?

  • healthpack's avatar
    healthpack
    Copper Contributor
    I am having the same problem. I made a drop-down list in Excel (Office 365) before and it worked as intended. Now, for some unknown reason, it doesn't anymore. It shows the arrow but I can't click it to reveal the list.
    I noticed that when you open the file and close it back. It will ask you if you want to save the changes despite just opening it. It seems like it has something to do with the data validation for the drop-down list.
  • Daniel_B_0324's avatar
    Daniel_B_0324
    Copper Contributor

    I am having the very same issue with Office 365. Something with an update? This was working before but not today. I map the list and can use it to enter data but then after saving the file and reopening the map for the list is gone. 

      • Gilberto_DeC's avatar
        Gilberto_DeC
        Copper Contributor
        Not sure if you solved the problem but I faced the same today. It seems a old problem. My formula for validation contains OFFSET as other examples that I found when looking for a solution. Some people are saying to create named ranges with the OFFSET formula and use it for data validation but I didn't try that. Since to revalidate just need to open Data Validation and hit Ok, my solution was to create a macro (you can use the Recorder for that) that will create the validation for the range that I need. This code should be in Workbook_Open. Anyway, it is working now.
  • DonaldGib's avatar
    DonaldGib
    Copper Contributor

    This is a ridiculous waste of time. 2019 tried 2010 the drop-down list will not save. All the mentions are just additional waste of time. This function should be a very simple drop-down menu, this is not rocket science. This situation displays the lack of understanding of everyday users. We are all not advanced programmers, just people trying to conduct a very simple drop-down menu. This function does not work, it would be a great benefit. Stop wasting everyone's time and say IT DOES NOT WORK.  G_Kealey 

  • G_Kealey 

    Most probably compatibility issues. As I remember in 97-2003 data for data validation list can't be in another sheet, perhaps something else. It works as it is now at least from 2010.

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor

    G_Kealey 

     

    From your text I cannot infer which version of Excel you are dealing with, knowing the operating system would also be a plus for a proposed solution.

     

    Nevertheless, here ... some information about it.

     

    - First define a name for the area

    - and then use this name as the scope

    - and then use this name in source / refers to

     

    drop-down menu not visible

    https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/lync/en-US/0ca479fb-ebda-4fea-a2cf-1e9e8cd8c811/excel-2013-dropdown-menu-not-visible-in-excel-2007?forum=excel

     

     

    Thank you for your understanding and patience

     

    Hope I was able to help you.

     

    Nikolino

    I know I don't know anything (Socrates)

     

    * Kindly Mark and Vote this reply if it helps please, as it will be beneficial to more Community members reading here

     

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