How can I do this??????

[flinee]

I'm a new user. I have other threads on the same topic (problem) in other forums but nothing seems to work. Here's the trick:
1) On sheet1 I am entering peoples names from a drop down list. The list is on sheet2 (C3:C78). They get entered on a row in every 3rd column.
2) I need some kind of warning or alert of any kind when I try to enter the same name more than 3 times.
3) This must be sort of "row specific" if you will, the limit will be any name 3 times maximum per row.
4) I have tried Data Validation and Conditional Formating. It seems you cannot refer to another worksheet or workbook in the formula.
5) It's my understanding that I must have the list of names on a different sheet,
I have tried to put the list on the same sheet but that doesn't work so well (the names get removed from the list each time I use one).
6) I hope I'm being clear in my explaination. If need be I can forward the workbook (if I can figure out how )
7) All answers, comments, directions, etc. are welcome.
Thank You,
flinee

[Cutter]

If you're happy using Conditional Formatting I have this suggestion for you:

Highlight the entire range that will encompass the cells you want this to apply to (I'm assuming C1:IV100)

Now go to Conditional Formatting and choose Formula is

In the formula area type: =COUNTIF(1:1,C1)>3

Now apply whatever format you want (red background or whatever)

Cick OK and OK

The result will be that whenever the same name occurs more than 3 times in any given row then all of the cells containing that name in that row will be formatted to whatever format you chose.

This will apply the conditional formatting to every cell in your highlighted range so if you don't want it in the columns that won't contain the names from the list you can now highlight those columns and remove the conditional formatting.

[flinee]

I'll give it a shot, thanx Cutter

[Cutter]

You're welcome. Let me know if it's what you wanted or, at least, suits your purpose.

[flinee]

I tried this and the whole range turns red.
The actual range I want this to apply to is:
B3,E3,H3,K3,N3,Q3,T3,W3,etc. then independently on the next row:
B4,E4, H4,K4,N4,Q4,T4,W4,etc. and so on for each subsequet row.
I think I'm on the right track with Data Validation or Conditional Formatting, it's just my formulas aren't right, and I just don't have enough experience/knowledge to figure out why.
Have any more ideas?
Starting to get desperate.
Thanx for your time.
flinee

[Cutter]

It works perfectly when I try it.

If you are starting with row 3 then highlight the entire range starting with B3 right over to the last column in which you want it to apply

In Conditional Formatting choose Formula is and then type:
=COUNTIF(3:3,B3)>3
Now select the format you want

As I said this will apply the Conditional Format to the whole range so if there are repeating numbers or text strings in the columns between the ones you want this in then you'll have to highlight those columns and remove the Conditional Formatting from them.