Document protection in Word 2007

  • Thread starter Thread starter SueCoach
  • Start date Start date
S

SueCoach

When I create a document, with the Developer, with fields to be "filled in"
by others, and I click on Protect Document, the selection fields and boxes
are all greyed out. This is a NEW problem, I've been able to use this
feature before, on my own laptop and others'. Any ideas? What am I missing?
 
When I create a document, with the Developer, with fields to be "filled in"
by others, and I click on Protect Document, the selection fields and boxes
are all greyed out. This is a NEW problem, I've been able to use this
feature before, on my own laptop and others'. Any ideas? What am I missing?
Click to expand...

Are you sure they're "greyed out" as in "not enabled"? By default, text form
fields are shaded when they _are_ active. (There's a shading button in the same
group with the forms control buttons on the Developer ribbon, which turns the
shading on and off.)
 
I probably wasn't clear. It's the command selection area in the "Restrict
Formatting and Editing" box (after I click on "Protect Document") that is
greyed out, so that I'm unable to click in the boxes to "limit formatting..."
or "allow only this type of editing...". I do have forms I've created in the
past, in which this function does work. But I can't create a new document
and format restrictions in it.
 
I had read that in some other posting a few days ago, and I tried Design
"off" and "on", and no change. This is so frustratiing! I went back to a
couple of other old protected documents to check today, and sure 'nuff, on
some I can turn protection off and on, and on others I can't. Usually I can
figure out what I'm forgetting to do, but this has me stumped! While you
think about this, I'll try making a new document.
 
Jay, when I created a new document just now, I noted that when I turned on
Design Mode, all the control buttons in that box lit up. I was then able to
insert check boxes and text fields, turn Design Mode off, and have the
Protect Document function working as it should. So, problem solved, but I
have to re-do all those other documents that aren't working. Do you have any
idea what I might have done to them to "break" that function?
 
No, I've never seen or heard of that kind of problem. The disabled
protection options have always responded to the Design Mode button.

Something else that puzzles me is your statement that "when I turned on
Design Mode, all the control buttons in that box lit up". You shouldn't need
to turn on Design Mode to be able to insert form controls.

Maybe you should run a diagnostic. Go to Office button > Word Options >
Resources and click the Diagnose button.
 
Thanks, Jay, I did that, and it reported a repair in one of the packages at
the end. I then went back to one of my "broken" documents, and nothing had
changed; still with Design Mode on or off, everything in the box to the left
is dimmed, as is everything in the protection box to the right.
Interestingly, I have been able to copy the text of an entire "broken"
document -- including text boxes and check boxes -- and paste it into a new
document, and the protection function works as it should. So far. I'll get
back if I get stuck again. You've been very helpful. Thanks!!
 
Exact same problem here and it has NOTHING TO DO WITH DESIGN MODE toggle.
Looks like a bug to me but I'll do the diagnostic
 
Word 2003 has no diagnose thingy

companycmd said:
Exact same problem here and it has NOTHING TO DO WITH DESIGN MODE toggle.
Looks like a bug to me but I'll do the diagnostic
Click to expand...
 
I'm trying to use the Rich Text fields to modify a form. The Title and the
tag show nicely, right up until I protect the document. Then all I see is
"Click here to enter text." I want the form to be protected, but I need
users to see format prompts. What am I missing?

Thank you for any help.
 
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