24 June, 2011

Data validation greyed out


We have received a strange ticket yesterday which is based on Data Validation. I have a spreadsheet that already has "drop down" arrows on every cell in a column data to select from. 

I was able to find the data that is supposed to be used for the "drop down" menu and that the data name range assigned to it.

The problem I'm having is that when I go to the menu bar and select Data, the Validation option is greyed out.

How can access the data validation menu when it is greyed out? The entire file is unprotected.

I have started my troubleshooting and firstly i saved the file to my desktop and checked the same option-still greyed out. So now one thing will be sure that the SharePoint is not in the picture. There is something is missing by means of Excel functionality or some options has been deactivated in that same excel spreadsheet.

Spend 40 mins to find out the root cause and resolution too :-)

Please refer the following options and your issue will be resolved:-

1.   Saved the Excel spreadsheet to your desktop.
2.   Open the spreadsheet
3.   Select Review (6th Tab from the left)-options are applicable for Office 2007.
4.   Click on Share Workbook
5.   Uncheck the option named as "Allow changes by more than one user at the same time. This also allows workbook merging"
6.   Click OK
7.   Saved the excel spreadsheet and check the results
8.   Upload to the SharePoint document library and check the results

You will find the option of "Data Validation" is now enable

Hey..Yippee--Expression from the user as his issue has been resolved.

If you have any queries/questions regarding the above mentioned information then please let me know...

I would be more than HAPPY to help you as well as RESOLVES your issues J J Thank you.