XL97: Cannot Use Custom Function with Data Validation (160523)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q160523

SYMPTOMS

When you use custom criteria with data validation and attempt to type a custom function in the Formula box in the Data Validation dialog box, the following message appears:
A named range you specified cannot be found.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when the following conditions are met:

  • You click Validation on the Data menu, and then click the Settings tab. -and-

  • You click Custom in the Allow box. -and-

  • You type a custom function in the Formula box.
When you use custom criteria for data validation, Microsoft Excel accepts only a built-in formula or a defined name in the Formula box.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, type the custom function in a cell on the worksheet, and then type a formula that refers to this cell in the Formula box. For example, type the custom function in cell A1, and then type "=A1" (without the quotation marks) in the Formula box in the Data Validation dialog box.

MORE INFORMATION

The Custom data validation criteria type allows you to type a formula, use an expression, or refer to a calculation in another cell to determine a valid entry. When you type a formula, the formula must evaluate to True or False. For additional information about data validation, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

159252 XL97: Description and Examples of Data Validation

REFERENCES

For more information about data validation data types, click the Index tab in Microsoft Excel Help, type the following text

Data Validation, Data Type

and then double-click the selected text to go to the "Types of data restrictions" topic.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/10/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg KB160523
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