Limit distribution of a spreadsheet

[karll]

I have created a list of data in an excel spreadsheet that I would
like to distribute widely. Is there a way to stop someone from
forwarding or copying this spreadsheet once they get it? It will be
distributed through email.

 

[gimme_this_gimme_that]

You could encrypt it.

But that doesn't take care of the case where someone opens, saves, and
sends.

 

[JE McGimpsey]

If someone can open your workbook, they can copy and distribute it.

 

[gimme_this_gimme_that]

You're wondering if we have any ideas or suggestions.

You add a VBA function that makes it so that if the workbook is opened
off of your company's network it send you an email consisting of meta
data about the user's computer. You'd probably be able to get the
person's name.

 

[JE McGimpsey]

You add a VBA function that makes it so that if the workbook is opened
off of your company's network it send you an email consisting of meta
data about the user's computer. You'd probably be able to get the
person's name.

Unless they have security set to high, in which case the VBA doesn't run.

 

[Guest]

If you are on a company network with a shared drive, place your file there
and then do the following:

1. Create an Intro sheet in your workbook
2. Set all other sheets to VeryHidden
3. Create a "Path" bomb. This verifies the path that the workbook was
launched from. If the value does not match, it closes the workbook.
4. Create a workbook open sub that verifies the path, and then unhides all
sheets.
5. Create a workbook before save sub that sets all sheets except the Intro
to VeryHidden.
6. Password protect your code.

What happens then is when the workbook is opened, the path is verified and
if it is OK, all sheets are made visible. If not, the path bomb closes the
workbook. If Macros are disabled, all they see if the Intro sheet.

If someone tries to save the sheet to another location, all sheets will be
veryhidden before the save. Then if someone tries to open the workbook from
email or other location the path bomb kicks in. Once again if macros are
disabled all they will see is the intro sheet because the before save sub
reset all sheets to veryhidden.