Converting Spreadsheet into Executable

[lukus2005]

Is there a way to convert a spreadsheet into an executable that would
require a password to execute?

The problem that I have is that I created a spreadsheet for our
estimators which basically simplifies putting a price together using
supplier pricing and labour rate. Unfortunately, when our estimators
leave the company, they take a copy of our spreadsheet with them and
it ends up being used by our competitors. Can't take legal action
because this is next to impossible to prove but I know it's happening.

So what I would like to be able to do is convert my spreadsheet into
an executable (standalone app) with a built-in key or expiry date...
is this doable in anyway? If not, any suggestions on how to prevent
copying of my spreadsheet?

 

[GS]

(e-mail address removed) submitted this idea :

Is there a way to convert a spreadsheet into an executable that would
require a password to execute?

The problem that I have is that I created a spreadsheet for our
estimators which basically simplifies putting a price together using
supplier pricing and labour rate. Unfortunately, when our estimators
leave the company, they take a copy of our spreadsheet with them and
it ends up being used by our competitors. Can't take legal action
because this is next to impossible to prove but I know it's happening.

So what I would like to be able to do is convert my spreadsheet into
an executable (standalone app) with a built-in key or expiry date...
is this doable in anyway? If not, any suggestions on how to prevent
copying of my spreadsheet?

Well, this will require learning a new programming language so you can
automate Excel and open your file password protected. You might also
want to change the file extension so files belonging to your app aren't
recognizable in Windows Explorer of fileOpen dialogs.

Optionally, you can have someone create the Windows.exe for you and use
it for all your estimators. Problem here is they will also be able to
take that with them but you can obviate that by locking the app to the
machine installed to. This will prevent the app from running on any
non-authorized machines. Now you're getting into licensing issues.

Question is.., how far do you want to go?

 

[lukus2005]

Well, this will require learning a new programming language so you can
automate Excel and open your file password protected. You might also
want to change the file extension so files belonging to your app aren't
recognizable in Windows Explorer of fileOpen dialogs.

Optionally, you can have someone create the Windows.exe for you and use
it for all your estimators. Problem here is they will also be able to
take that with them but you can obviate that by locking the app to the
machine installed to. This will prevent the app from running on any
non-authorized machines. Now you're getting into licensing issues.

Question is.., how far do you want to go?

--
Garry

Free usenet access athttp://www.eternal-september.org
ClassicVB Users Regroup! comp.lang.basic.visual.misc

Seeing how our competitors became more competitive with us and how
much contracts we have lost since... I'd say it might be worth the
investment.

My biggest concern is that I need to be able to update the built-in
pricelist and other parameters periodically so I would prefer finding
an in-house solution.

 

[GS]

(e-mail address removed) formulated the question :

Well, this will require learning a new programming language so you can
automate Excel and open your file password protected. You might also
want to change the file extension so files belonging to your app aren't
recognizable in Windows Explorer of fileOpen dialogs.

Optionally, you can have someone create the Windows.exe for you and use
it for all your estimators. Problem here is they will also be able to
take that with them but you can obviate that by locking the app to the
machine installed to. This will prevent the app from running on any
non-authorized machines. Now you're getting into licensing issues.

Question is.., how far do you want to go?

--
Garry

Free usenet access athttp://www.eternal-september.org
ClassicVB Users Regroup! comp.lang.basic.visual.misc

Seeing how our competitors became more competitive with us and how
much contracts we have lost since... I'd say it might be worth the
investment.

My biggest concern is that I need to be able to update the built-in
pricelist and other parameters periodically so I would prefer finding
an in-house solution.

Updating your Excel file can be done in house at any time, and simply
redistributed to overwrite the outdated file. What I propose would
prevent outsiders from using your file without your authorization.

 

[Michael Bednarek]

Is there a way to convert a spreadsheet into an executable that would
require a password to execute?

The problem that I have is that I created a spreadsheet for our
estimators which basically simplifies putting a price together using
supplier pricing and labour rate. Unfortunately, when our estimators
leave the company, they take a copy of our spreadsheet with them and
it ends up being used by our competitors. Can't take legal action
because this is next to impossible to prove but I know it's happening.

So what I would like to be able to do is convert my spreadsheet into
an executable (standalone app) with a built-in key or expiry date...
is this doable in anyway? If not, any suggestions on how to prevent
copying of my spreadsheet?

Have your estimators work in a secure room at non-networked computers,
after making sure they don't carry any storage devices or cameras. A
device to erase their memory might also be useful.

Every technical solution to prevent unauthorised use can be overcome.

 

[lukus2005]

Have your estimators work in a secure room at non-networked computers,
after making sure they don't carry any storage devices or cameras. A
device to erase their memory might also be useful.

Every technical solution to prevent unauthorised use can be overcome.

I don't need a Fort Knox work environment. I just want to prevent
them from copying and using the spreadsheet on another computer.

 

[lukus2005]

(e-mail address removed) submitted this idea :

Is there a way to convert a spreadsheet into an executable that would
require a password to execute?

The problem that I have is that I created a spreadsheet for our
estimators which basically simplifies putting a price together using
supplier pricing and labour rate. Unfortunately, when our estimators
leave the company, they take a copy of our spreadsheet with them and
it ends up being used by our competitors. Can't take legal action
because this is next to impossible to prove but I know it's happening.

So what I would like to be able to do is convert my spreadsheet into
an executable (standalone app) with a built-in key or expiry date...
is this doable in anyway? If not, any suggestions on how to prevent
copying of my spreadsheet?

Well, this will require learning a new programming language so you can
automate Excel and open your file password protected. You might also
want to change the file extension so files belonging to your app aren't
recognizable in Windows Explorer of fileOpen dialogs.

Optionally, you can have someone create the Windows.exe for you and use
it for all your estimators. Problem here is they will also be able to
take that with them but you can obviate that by locking the app to the
machine installed to. This will prevent the app from running on any
non-authorized machines. Now you're getting into licensing issues.

Question is.., how far do you want to go?

--
Garry

Free usenet access athttp://www.eternal-september.org
ClassicVB Users Regroup! comp.lang.basic.visual.misc

I'm not sure what is involved with your proposed solution. Are there
any utilities out there that will convert a spreadsheet into an
executable? But then again, it would also need some security features
that would allow to set a time limitation (trial period) or a serial #
to install.

 

[GS]

I'm not sure what is involved with your proposed solution. Are there
any utilities out there that will convert a spreadsheet into an
executable?

Not that I know of. Most solutions like this are custom made.

But then again, it would also need some security features
that would allow to set a time limitation (trial period) or a serial #
to install.

That's what I was implying.