Data validation not working

[exceluser2007]

Hi All,

I can't understand why this Data validation is not working.

In A4 I have the value '2008', with the name FIN_year.

Also A1 = FIN_year.

I want to validate A1 to only keep the value of FIN_year.

So in Data Validation I set in:
Settings:
Allow: Custom
Formula: =INDIRECT(FIN_year) [I also tried just '=FIN_year').

In Error Alert: I ticked the "Show error alert after invalid data is entered"
Style: Stop
Title: Error, wrong Data is entered
Error message: This value is equal to FIN_year

Then clicked OK.

However when I try to overwrite the value in A1, it allows me to put in invalid values without any error warning.

Could anyone kindly explain how to correct this problem.

regards,

 

[exceluser2007]

Bjonar,


Thank you sincerely for your help. That is a very thorough explanation and I think I may use this feature henceforth.

Also, Simon thanks for the link to cross posting rules. As I have written in the VBAX forum, I was genuinely not aware of these rules previously. I just assumed that both forums were relatively independent and posted in both places to get help from the various experts that frequent the boards.

from now on I will certainly keep the rules in mind and cross post the links.

I hope from viewing my past posts that people realize I am genuinely trying to learn and wouldn't cross post to annoy the people from whom I am requesting (and in some rare cases, giving) help.

kind regards and thanks to all the Excelers who have helped me.