When I open an xls file with drop down lists they do not show and are not validated. I can validate these cells myself but need to open the file with Excel to know what the list is. So I have to have Excel as well as Calc. I would like to be able to dump Excel.
I have the same issue. An XLSX file with validation opens fine in LO. However, data validation is lost.
I can fix it and set Date Validation in LO so that is works. However, when I open it in Excel 2010, it gives me a warning about some corrupt data and “fixes” it. The data validation comes in fine, but when I open it again in LO … back to square one.