Excel - dropdown list that no longer expands! Solved

Question

Hello,

This is the second time I am facing this issue. The first time, I gave up and completely recreated the file (still copy-pasting the data...). But now it's happening again on another file, and I don't want to have to redo everything every time this problem arises!!!
Here's the issue: in an Excel file, I have dropdown lists. Everything was fine until the day when... no more dropdown! They have disappeared from this file! I check in Data/Validation. My list is still there! And the "dropdown list in the cell" box is checked! Yet no dropdown anymore!
I'm going in circles and I don't understand the problem!
Please help me!!!!!!!

Configuration: Windows XP Internet Explorer 7.0 EXCEL 2003

GarnierF67 · Accepted Answer

Hello,

I just had the same issue and I looked for quite a while. For me, enabling the "Show all" option in the advanced properties restored the dropdown list display, so thank you.

However, what I don't understand about this piece of crap Excel is why this damn option keeps disappearing when I haven't touched anything!!! I'm sorry, I'm getting rude because spending hours troubleshooting such crap, which is supposed to be a professional tool, is simply disgusting. And this isn't the first time I've encountered a weird issue like this with Excel.

FG

zorroestarrivé · Answer

Hi,

Unless it's confidential, the easiest thing would be to upload your Excel file to http://www.cijoint.fr/
and provide the link so that we can determine the source of the issue.

See you!
--
It is much better to know something about everything than to know everything about one thing - Blaise PASCAL

Lulu · Answer

Does anyone understand the problem?
It's as if the user has disabled a dropdown list display option, but that option doesn't exist.
When I create a new sheet, new list/validation..., the list works on the new sheet, but still not on sheet 1. I really don't understand why the dropdown list is no longer displaying!
Please help!!!!!

Raymond PENTIER · Answer

Lulu, Vaucluse, hello.  I confirm everything you both observe. I've searched everywhere, but I haven't found any explanation either. All that's left is to follow Vaucluse's advice... Have a nice day. -- Retirement is great! Especially in the Antilles... :-) &#9787; Raymond &#9794;

yacky · Answer

Hi group.

I haven't looked at your file, but I'm pretty sure your problem comes from the fact that you're protecting the cell of the dropdown list. That 'freezes' the content when you do that. The issue is that the user will be able to delete the list if you don't protect it. So look towards the security settings to solve your problem.

Hoping to help

yacky

-RRRrrrr- · Answer

Hello,

I came across this type of file that does not update a dropdown list.

Here is a partial answer (for Excel 2007 at least):

Menu:
Excel Options
Formulas
Calculation mode
Workbook Calculation: Check "Automatic" instead of "Manual"

Best regards,
-RRRrrrr-

Flo · Answer

I encountered the same thing after setting conditional formatting on certain cells containing a list. A copy of my sheet had only one difference: the absence of these conditional formats, and I had no issues with it. I don't know if this could be related to the problem, but it's worth investigating...

PS: I'm using Excel 2003

mims · Answer

I have Excel 2010 and I checked the automatic option.  It works now!  Thank you

adamdo · Answer

To make it work, simply make sure to select the correct cell before activating the arrow that opens the validation list...

antoin08 · Answer

To respond to everyone, I finally found it (finally it works for me!)

Rather than selecting the range of cells to display in the dropdown list, you need to use the name manager and give a name to that list.
Then you should write ="NAME OF THE LIST" in the selection box in Data Validation.

Hoping to have helped several people!

Lara · Answer

Hello.

For my part (Office 2007).
It's like the option had been disabled.
I have NOTHING at all. This problem is only on my workstation and with all Excel documents.

Excel Options -> Advanced Options -> display options for this workbook:
I unchecked:

Show horizontal scroll bar
Show vertical scroll bar

I confirmed.
Then I checked them again.

And there you go, it works again.

Excel - dropdown list that no longer expands!

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