Problems with Autocomplete

[Colin Foster]

Hi Group,
Currently I have an issue with Autocomplete not working in a spreadsheet. in
a new record
The spreadsheet contains a filtered list (with no filters applied). In the
first column of this list are vehicle manufacturers (e.g. Ford, BMW, Nissan,
etc).
Sometimes the autocomplete works when I add in a new record, but most of the
time, it doesn't.
I've checked the obvious issue of blank rows & there aren't any. I've also
checked for any hidden rows.
The total number of unique vehicle manufacturers is 35, so I can't see that
being an issue.
Interestingly, Pick from List does work.
Also interestingly (or should this be frustratingly!) I have the
manufacturer "Alfa Romeo". This only autocompletes when I've hit the
spacebar before the letter R. The implication of this, is that I have a
manufacturer called "Alfa" - oh if it was only that simple!! Needless to
say, I don't.
This is beginning to really frustrate me, so any pointers would be of
interest - if you want a copy of the spreadsheet to play with, let me know.
Regards
Colin Foster

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

Perhaps one of the "Alfa Romeo" entries contains two space characters.
That could cause the problem that you described.

Instead of typing the entries, you could use a data validation list.
There are instructions in Excel's help, and here:

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

 

[Colin Foster]

Hi Debra,
Unfortunately, I'd thought of that one, so I even tried copying the first
instance of "Alfa Romeo" to all other instances. Excel still waits for me to
hit the spacebar!
Regards
Colin

 

[Dave Peterson]

Just some silly questions.

Are you positive that you don't have alfa in a cell? Do you have any hidden
rows in that range?

I think I'd try unhiding all the rows, removing any active filter (I know you
said that there weren't any already).

Then I'd apply a filter to that column:
Begins with Alfa:
Alfa

Or look at the dropdown list just to see what shows up.

(I couldn't reproduce your situation in xl2003.)

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

And what's the column heading? Perhaps it's causing the problem.