IF(?) logic question

[Dave]

A1 - Jones B1 Y
A2 Smith B2 Y
A3 Doe B3 N
A4 Murphy B4 Y

Let's say I want to search for "Doe", and if I find one then I want to
change the entry in column B to "Y". If column A is not "Doe", however, I
want to leave column B as is. What kind of a logic statement leaves the B
field as is if the condition in the row A is not met?

Tried a lot of things - no joy.
Thx
Dave

 

[Earl Kiosterud]

Dave,

Formulas can't "push" data to any cells. You don't want to use an IF structure to update
the table. Usually, folks sort the table on column A to make it easier to find the row
desired, then manually update it. Be careful sorting.

 

[mdupris]

Have you tried putting a formula like this in C1:
=IF(A1="Doe","Y",B1)
and copying it down the column? This should give you the results
you're looking for. It doesn't have the "search" component though (I'm
not sure what you mean by that). I put things in column C since it's
not possible to have a self-referencing formula, a formula in B that
will change the value in B depending on the current contents of B. You
can do that with a VBA macro, however, if that's the effect you're
after

= Marchand =

 

[Dave]

Thanks everybody - it's appreciated

Dave

Have you tried putting a formula like this in C1:
=IF(A1="Doe","Y",B1)
and copying it down the column? This should give you the results
you're looking for. It doesn't have the "search" component though (I'm
not sure what you mean by that). I put things in column C since it's
not possible to have a self-referencing formula, a formula in B that
will change the value in B depending on the current contents of B. You
can do that with a VBA macro, however, if that's the effect you're
after

= Marchand =