Excel -- Data Validation -- Add Messages to Help the User Input Message Error Alert

You can display messages to give instructions to the people who use your spreadsheet. An Input Message can be displayed when the cell with data validation is selected. An Error Alert can be displayed if invalid data is entered. You can turn this off, to allow people to enter invalid data. For example, if the data validation cell contains a dropdown list, turn off the Error Alert to allow users to type items that are not in the list.

Input Message

Input Message a) Select the cells in which you want to apply data validation b) On the Settings tab, apply the required data validation (What is Data Validation?)

c) Click on the Input Message tab to activate it d) Add a check mark to the Show input message when cell is selected box.
e) Type your message heading text in the Title box. This text will appear in bold print at the top of the message. f) Type your message in the Input message box. g) Click OK or follow the steps below to add an Error Alert.

Error Alert a) Click on the Error Alert tab to activate it b) Add a check mark to the Show error alert after invalid data is entered box.

c) Choose an Error Alert Style from the dropdown list. Stop: This prevents the entry of invalid data. If the Retry button is clicked, the invalid entry is highlighted, and can be overtyped. If the Cancel button is clicked, the invalid entry is deleted, and the cell's original content is restored. The user cannot leave the invalid entry in the cell
Warning: This discourages the entry of invalid data. If the Yes button is clicked, the invalid entry is accepted, and the next cell is selected. If the No button is clicked, the invalid entry is highlighted, and can be overtyped. If the Cancel button is clicked, the invalid entry is deleted, and the cell's original content is restored. The user can choose to leave the invalid entry in the cell.
Information: This announces the entry of invalid data. If the OK button is clicked, the invalid entry is accepted, and the next cell is selected. If the Cancel button is clicked, the invalid entry is deleted, and the cell's original content is restored. The user can choose to leave the invalid entry in the cell.

d) Type your message heading text in the Title box. This text will appear in bold print at the top of the message. f) Type your message in the Error message box. g) Click OK

Note: If the Office Assistant is visible, the Input Messages and Error Messages will be displayed as balloons
1. Data Validation 2. Data Validation -- Create Dependent Lists 3. Hide Previously Used Items in a Dropdown List 4. Display Messages to the User 5. Use a List from Another Workbook 6. Validation Criteria Examples 7. Custom Validation Criteria Examples 8. Data Validation Tips 9. Data Validation Documentation    10 Data Validation -- Combo box       11. Data Validation -- Combo Box - Named Ranges 12. Data Validation -- Display Input Messages in a Text Box   13. Data Validation -- Dependent Dropdowns from a Sorted List

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