Validation: Take it to the next level???

[Lloyd H. London]

I have created a drop-down list in column M in Excel 2002 using data
validation. I then created a dependent list in column N, using the
indirect function as the validation source (see
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal02.html).
I am hopeful that it is possible to go one step further:
For any cell in M that is blank, the dropdown in N is inactive. That is
as it should be. The downside is that there is no validation applied to
the cell in N. I can enter any value I want in that cell.
Ex: If M2 has a value, on values from the list is allowed. If M3 is
blank, I can enter anything I want in N3.
Am I missing an element, is there a way to correct this, or is this the
way it works.

Thanks

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

In the Data Validation dialog box, remove the check mark from 'Ignore Blank'

 

[Lloyd H. London]

Such a concise and simple answer. And I thought it was to be far more
complex.
Thank you