drop-down list data validation questions

I am using data validation via a drop-down list.

Q1 Can I have the values in the list taken from cells in the spreadsheet?
ie instead of entering value1,value2, etc I enter cell addresses.
[This is to make it easier to edit the list values in all the cells where they appear.]

Q2 Is it possible to allow selection from the drop down list OR a typed-in value (not in that list)

Q3 This question may already have been asked and answered. What is the best way to find any previous answers so as not to waste everyone's time!

Q1: Yes. Where you specify List in the DV dialogue box you can put in a formula like:

=Sheet1$L$1:$L$10

if your list of values is in L1:L10, or you could define a named range and use the name in the formula.

Q2: The purpose of data validation is to restrict the User's input to acceptable (and pre-defined) values !! You could have an entry "Other - please specify" and use another cell to allow the User to enter a different value, but your sheet would have to contain formulae to pick that up.

Q3: This forum is very hot on getting posters to use meaningful titles, in order to facilitate searches on particular topics, so all I can suggest is that you learn to make full use of the search facilities.

Hope this helps.

Pete

Perfect - thanks! Next question coming up!