How to protect a workbook

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dave
  • Start date Start date
D

Dave

Can't believe I don't see how to do this. I'd just like to protect a
workbook from being changed accidentally. Don't want a password - I'm the
only OP.

Appreciate any suggestions.

Dave
 
Dave

To lock workbook or worksheets go to Tools>Protection>Protect Workbook or
Protect Worksheet.

They each have different functionality. You're probably after the sheet
protection.

Neither of these will lock the workbook from opening, but can protect from
modification.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP
 
Just to add to Gord's suggestion.

It kind of sounds like you want to protect some cells from being
overwritten--maybe formulas or headers/description cells. And still allow
yourself to update other cells.

If that's the case, select the cells that should be able to be changed.
format|cells|protection tab|Uncheck Locked

Then Tools|Protection|protect sheet (don't provide a password).

But be aware that there are lots of things you can't do on a protected
worksheet. You may need to unprotect it to do somethings--then reprotect it
when you're done.
 
Sat said:
Can't believe I don't see how to do this. I'd just like to protect a
workbook from being changed accidentally. Don't want a password - I'm the
only OP.
Click to expand...

With the workbook *not* opened in Excel, open an Explorer window(*),
right-click on the file, and select Properties. Check "Read Only" and
click OK.

(*) File Explorer, not Internet Explorer. If you don't know how to
start File Explorer, press the Windows and E keys simultaneously if
you have a Windows key on your keyboard; otherwise open My Computer.
 
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