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Daniel LaGrow

Daniel LaGrow

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  1. Create your form and click in one of the fill in boxes.

    Military Registration form with the fill in cell for Date of Birth highlighted.Image RemovedMilitary Registration form with the fill in cell for Date of Birth highlighted.Image Added

  2. Click the Data Tab, then choose Data Validation

    Data Tab in Microsoft Excel.Image RemovedData Validation Button in Microsoft Excel.Image RemovedData Tab in Microsoft Excel.Image AddedData Validation Button in Microsoft Excel.Image Added

  3. In the Data Validation Box, choose Input Message. Then type in some instructions that will help the reader with the form. Click OK. Your end result should show a yellow square with your instructions inside it.

    Data Validation box with Input Message Tab open. Input message section provides instructions.Image RemovedMilitary Registration Form with the Date of Birth fill in section highlighted. There are instructions next to it in a yellow box.Image RemovedData Validation box with Input Message Tab open. Input message section provides instructions.Image AddedMilitary Registration Form with the Date of Birth fill in section highlighted. There are instructions next to it in a yellow box.Image Added

Section 8.3: How to Provide Clear Error Alerts

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  1. Choose a category you want an alert to appear for.

    A form with date of birth fill in section highlighted.Image RemovedA form with date of birth fill in section highlighted.Image Added

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  1. Go to the Data Tab, then click the Data Validation Button.

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  1. Data Tab in Microsoft Excel.Image AddedData Validation Button with a green checkmark and red sign.Image Added

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  1. In the Data Validation Settings Tab, change them to suit your needs. In Error Alert, type in a clear message on what has to be changed in the file in order to continue with the page.

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  1. Data Validation box with settings tab open.Image AddedData Validation Box with Error Alert tab open.Image Added

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  1. If the wrong information is typed into the box, your warning should appear.

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  1. Microsoft Excel warning asking to enter a valid date of birth.Image Added
Info

Now we have an error for birthdates. If someone types in a date before or after our age limit or an inaccurate date, they will be alerted. Remember, if an input field is required, the user must be alerted.

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  1. Highlight the input cells, right click, and select Format Cells.

    A restaurant complaint form.Image RemovedA restaurant complaint form.Image Added

  2. In the dialog box, click the Protection Tab and un-check the Locked Option. Click OK.

    Format Cells Dialog box with the Protection Tab open. The Locked option is unchecked.Image RemovedFormat Cells Dialog box with the Protection Tab open. The Locked option is unchecked.Image Added

  3. Go to the Review Tab of the ribbon. Select Protect Sheet.

    Review Tab in ExcelImage RemovedThe Protect Section in MS Excel. Protect Sheet is all the way to the left.Image RemovedReview Tab in ExcelImage AddedThe Protect Section in MS Excel. Protect Sheet is all the way to the left.Image Added

  4. In the Protection Sheet Dialog Box, make sure “Select Locked Cells” and “Select Unlocked Cells” are checked. Everything else can be unchecked. Click OK.

    Protect Sheet dialog box with select locked cells and select unlocked cells checked.Image RemovedProtect Sheet dialog box with select locked cells and select unlocked cells checked.Image Added

  5. Optional: You can create a password.

  6. Now with your spreadsheet saved, a user will only be able to make changes to the input fields. If they tried to make changes, an alert message will appear.

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