Opening a hyperlink from data validation selection

Question

I'm working on a workbook that will be distributed to many users. I need a method to push users to a URL if they select a specific option in a data validation list (to fill out a web form on my company's intranet). For my particular circumstances, macros/VBA is not an option.

The data validation list is in an unprotected cell, in a protected worksheet/workbook.

Is there any way to trigger the opening of a hyperlink based on the actual selection of an item in a data validation list?

Best solution: if there is a way I can just open the URL in the default browser when that item is selected in the data validation list (without VBA)

Second best: if I can make that (and only that) data validation item clickable (after it has been selected) to open the URL

Third best: I can dynamically show/hide a clickable URL in another cell. I know how to do this, it just isn't an ideal solution.

Thanks!

Answer 1

None that I know of.

Gord

Answer 2

New, but related issue to the "Third Best" solution. This is a workbook used in my department to create a form that gets sent out to an end user, so the values change each time they need to send out a (customized) copy of the form.

In another cell, I have the following formula (simplified for posting):

=IF(F10<>N1, "default cell text", HYPERLINK(https://CompanyURL.net/portal?NavigationTarget=navurl://pagenumber,"You must CLICK HERE to perform a necessary action on the company intranet blah blah blah"))

However, what I'm finding is that even with the default cell text, the cell still thinks it contains a hyperlink. When I mouse over the cell, a pop-up Excel window indicates ["Default cell text"

• click once to follow, or click and hold to select].A click results in a "Reference is not valid" soft error.

I'd prefer that the cell only act like a hyperlink when the hyperlink is present, based on the formula conditions. Is there any way to force this?

Thanks!

Answer 3

I ended up using the HYPERLINK formula embedded in an IF statement, and placing that in an adjoining cell (my 3rd option).

Thanks,

Keith

Answer 4

Without VBA anything you select from a DV List is simply a selection of a value which is not clickable.

The keyword being "trigger"...............need event code to fire after trigger is pulled.

Gord