Getting Combo boxes to change options based on other Combo boxes.

[Ancient Wolf]

Using Excel 2007. I am trying to create either Form Control Combo Boxes or
ActiveX Combo Boxes that will change the selectable options based on
selections made in previous combo boxes. I am having a hard time finding any
information that will work for me. Can someone tell me how to make 5 combo
boxes change available listed options when specific options are selected in
another combo box? Please? I've been working on this for a very long time
without success. I've tried using Data Validation, but my formulas are too
long for all the different possible combinations.

 

[Kassie]

You are on the right track with combo boxes. However, you should create
lists of all the options applicable to each main option.

Say you want combo boxes to select types of vehicles.

You would have, most likely, a horizontal list referring to cars,
motorcycles and trucks.
Under cars you would crreate a vertical list of makes, such as Alfa Romeo,
BMW, Chevrolet, Daihatsu and so on.

Name the list of types Types - Range Name Define

Name the list of cars Cars
Name the list of motorcycles Motorcycles, and so on

Create a data validation box, say in A1 , and let it refer to =Types

Similarly, create data validation for in B1 where you can select the various
models.
Let it refer to =INDIRECT(A1)

If you now select Cars in the first dropdown, then when you click on B1, you
will get a list of Cars. If you select trucks, on the other hand, you will
get a list of trucks.