Pick list on a sheet - multiple rows?

I am using Windows XP with Office 2003.

I need suggestions for the quickest, easiest possible method that requires
as few clicks as possible for the following:

Multiple users will open a spreadsheet and enter data into a few columns.
One column will need a pick list of some sort that will allow the user to
only enter certain specified entries (those in the list). Many rows will be
used, but the quantity changes every week. Each week the form will be cleared
and the entering begins again.

I know how to protect the column and unprotect it, etc. The issue is what is
the best way to display the pick list? A user form on a dialog box? One
single drop down on the sheet that populates the current cell? Any other
ideas? What is the best method?

Thanks much for any and all input.

Hi,

Have you tried using data validation. Select the cell/s where the pick list
is to be. Go to data/validation. One of the options is list. On the same
window is the option to enter the values. Enter the values the user can chose
from seperated by commas. Click OK. Now click on the cell where the pick list
is and the values will appear.

Hope that helps

Nathan

"quartz" wrote:

> I am using Windows XP with Office 2003.
>
> I need suggestions for the quickest, easiest possible method that requires
> as few clicks as possible for the following:
>
> Multiple users will open a spreadsheet and enter data into a few columns.
> One column will need a pick list of some sort that will allow the user to
> only enter certain specified entries (those in the list). Many rows will be
> used, but the quantity changes every week. Each week the form will be cleared
> and the entering begins again.
>
> I know how to protect the column and unprotect it, etc. The issue is what is
> the best way to display the pick list? A user form on a dialog box? One
> single drop down on the sheet that populates the current cell? Any other
> ideas? What is the best method?
>
> Thanks much for any and all input.

You can list the valid items on a separate sheet, name that range, and
use the named range in a data validation list. There are instructions here:

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

quartz wrote:
> I am using Windows XP with Office 2003.
>
> I need suggestions for the quickest, easiest possible method that requires
> as few clicks as possible for the following:
>
> Multiple users will open a spreadsheet and enter data into a few columns.
> One column will need a pick list of some sort that will allow the user to
> only enter certain specified entries (those in the list). Many rows will be
> used, but the quantity changes every week. Each week the form will be cleared
> and the entering begins again.
>
> I know how to protect the column and unprotect it, etc. The issue is what is
> the best way to display the pick list? A user form on a dialog box? One
> single drop down on the sheet that populates the current cell? Any other
> ideas? What is the best method?
>
> Thanks much for any and all input.


--
Debra Dalgleish
Excel FAQ, Tips & Book List
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html