Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Specifying a Data Validation Error Message.
If someone tries to enter a value into a cell that has a data validation rule defined, and that value is outside the bounds of the validation rule you have specified, they will see an error message. Excel allows you to modify the default error message to provide meaningful information to the user. When used in conjunction with the input message, data validation becomes a very powerful tool in developing worksheets to be used by others.
Figure 1. The Error Alert tab of the Data Validation dialog box.
When the user enters an incorrect value and presses Enter or tries to move to another cell, a dialog box appears with your message.
You should realize that what the user can do once the error message dialog box is displayed is dependent on which error style you chose in step 6. For instance, if you choose the Stop style, the user can only retry their entry or cancel it. (In other words, you are forcing them to put in the right value.) If you choose the Warning style, then they are notified of their error, but they can still continue with the wrong value in the cell. Finally, the Information style is the gentlest reminder of all, and the user can still go on and accept the incorrect entry.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12203) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Specifying a Data Validation Error Message.
Professional Development Guidance! Four world-class developers offer start-to-finish guidance for building powerful, robust, and secure applications with Excel. The authors show how to consistently make the right design decisions and make the most of Excel's powerful features. Check out Professional Excel Development today!
Want to have a small help screen pop up when a user selects a particular cell? This can be done by using data validation, ...
Discover MoreData validation can be used to create lists of choices for entry into a particular cell. Using the techniques in this tip ...
Discover MoreWant to create an easy drop-down list? You can do so by using the data validation features of Excel.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2017-05-05 05:02:57
Michael Pegg
Hi
Thanks for info but...
Can you delete the help button?
Many thanks Michael
2016-05-04 07:12:33
Philip
I find the "Input Message" also especially useful when designing a workbook for others who need instructions on what to put where ... pop-up help as it were ...
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2018 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
Comments