auto formatting

[Roady]

In my spreadsheet, Col A has a drop-down list with 5 choices. When "samples"
are selected from Col A, I want it to prevent the user from entering data in
Col C and D 9both date fields). The problem is, I don't want to put a formula
in there because then I would have to lock the cells and I need the
spreadsheet data entry area to remain unlocked for ease of deleting/inserting
etc. Additionally, I want the user to be able to free-key a date in Cols C
and D if they select anything other than "samples".

So, I am wondering if there is a formula that i can use for Conditional
Formatting so that if "samples" is selected in A, then C and D will fill with
black. that doesn't truly prevent anyone from typing but it gets the message
across that they shouldn't be typing in these fields because of their choice
in Col A. Is there a formula that could do this across Columns?
Thank you!

 

[Gary''s Student]

I want to make sure I understand.

If the user pick sample for A5, you want C5 and D5 to be "locked"??

 

[Roady]

Well, ideally, yes, "locked" meaning they can't enter anything in C and D.

However because of the reasons I stated previously, i don't think that I
can. So, I will settle for Conditional Formatting the C and D to fill black
if samples is selected- if it is possible to make a conditional formatting
based on actions in another cell.

 

[Gary''s Student]

Using A5 as a typical cell, click on C5 and select conditional formatting >
Formula Is:
=A5="samples"

and set the background color to black.

Repeat for D5, etc.

It is possible to use an event macro that will monitor what the user enters
in Column A. If the user picks "samples" the macro would lock the equivalent
cells in column C & D and protect the sheet.