Creating Uniques Values in a Cell (Order nos etc)

[franck]

Is there anyway you can assign a column in a spreadsheet to not accept duplicated information ie an order number?

Regards Franck

 

[Russell Hauf]

Yes, there is. Highlight the column you wish to do this to (click on the column letter, "M", for example). Then click on Data - Validation (Data menu inbetween Tools and Window).

When the dialog comes up for Data Validation, in the Allow box, select Custom. Then in the Formula: box, type:

=(COUNTIF(M:M,M1)=1)

Then if you like, you can click on the "Error Alert" tab, and enter a custom message, like "Duplicate entry - please try again."

HTH,

Russell

 

[rajeevbhardwaj]

hi russell...it was very useful for me too, thanks..can yu please tell me what is the significance of =1 at the end of yur formula..that has me stumped..i understand countif formula but this one??

 

[rajeevbhardwaj]

hi ruseell...i finally got it..just a newbie so pl. dont mind..