XL97: How to Use Data Validation to Prevent Duplicate Entries
ID: Q189005
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The information in this article applies to:
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Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
SUMMARY
This article explains how to use data validation to prevent you from making
duplicate entries in a list.
MORE INFORMATION
The following example uses data validation to prevent duplicate entries
from being entered in cell A1 to cell A50. To do this, you need set up two
validation rules: one for the first cell in the list, and one for the rest
of the cells. To create the example, follow these steps:
- Save and close any open workbooks, and then create a new workbook.
- Select cell A1, and then click Validation on the Data menu.
- In the Allow list, click Custom. Type the following formula in the
Formula box:
=ISERROR(MATCH(A1,A2:A50,0))
- Click the Error Alert tab. In the Title box, type the title of the error
message. In the Error Message box, type the error message that you want
the user to see. In the Style list, click Stop. Click OK to apply the
validation rule to cell A1.
- Select cells A2:A50, and then click Validation on the Data menu.
- Click the Settings tab. In the Allow list, click Custom. Type the
following formula in the Formula box:
=ISERROR(MATCH(A2,INDIRECT("$A$1:$A$"&ROW()-1),0))
- Click the Error Alert tab. In the Title box, type the title of the error
message. In the Error Message box, type the error message that you want
the user to see. In the Style list, click Stop. Click OK to apply the
validation rule to cells A2:A50.
As you make entries into cells A1:A50, Excel applies the validation rules
that you have established. If you make a duplicate entry, you will receive
an error message. Clicking Retry allows you to change the cell entry.
Clicking Cancel removes the cell entry.
For additional information about data validation, please click the article number(s) below
to view the article(s) in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q159252 XL97: Description and Examples of Data Validation
REFERENCES
For more information about data validation, click the Office Assistant,
type data validation, click Search, and then click to view "Specify the
valid entries for cells."
NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the
Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer,
please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component
Additional query words:
XL97
Keywords : kbdta kbdtacode xlui xlformula KbVBA
Version : WINDOWS:97
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbhowto
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