Part IV: Using Advanced Excel Features
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Excel makes it easy to specify the validation criteria, and you can also use a formula for more
complex criteria.Caution
The Excel data validation feature suffers from a potentially serious problem: If the user copies a cell that does
not use data validation and pastes it to a cell that does use data validation, the data validation rules are
deleted. In other words, the cell then accepts any type of data. n
Specifying Validation Criteria
To specify the type of data allowable in a cell or range, follow the steps below while you refer to
Figure 25.2, which shows all three tabs of the Data Validation dialog box.- Select the cell or range.
- Choose Data ➪ Data Tools ➪ Data Validation. Excel displays its Data Validation
dialog box. - Click the Settings tab.
- Choose an option from the Allow drop-down list. The contents of the Data Validation
dialog box will change, displaying controls based on your choice. To specify a formula,
select Custom.
FIGURE 25.2
The three tabs of the Data Validation dialog box.