Hide contents of drop-down list in Excel with password

Question

I'm attempting to password-protect drop-down list entries in Excel. The drop-down menu can now only be accessed by entering a password, however, you may still see all options by clicking on the cell without one.

I essentially want to conceal certain items so that only users with the password can see them.

Protection of the sheet and in-cell dropdown for data validation

Answer 1

So, 3 versions all relatively similar:

Above shown with thew correct password entered.

Below without:

Now with a range with Data validation, with and without password: