lock formulas

[Dooma]

Is there a way to lock the formulas on a series of linked excel spreadsheets
so the formulas can't accidentally be deleted? I have it set up so that 4
identical spreadsheets with 12 tabs feed into one other spreadsheet and want
to lock all the formulas. Is there an easy way to do this?



Thanks!

 

[Gord Dibben]

Dooma

You can select which cells to lock and then enable worksheet protection.

By default all cells on a sheet are locked when sheet protection is enabled.

Hit CRTL + A(twice for 2003 users) to select all cells.

Format>Cells>Protection. Uncheck "locked" and OK out.

Now select those formula cells and Format>Cells>Protection. Check "locked".
Ok out.

Now Tools>Protection>Protect Sheet.

Tip: Tools>Customize>Format. Scroll down to the Padlock(lock cells) icon.

Drag to your Toolbar.

Saves a few steps when selecting cells to be locked.

Gord Dibben Excel MVP

 

[hashas]

but locks cells .
so data cant be changed.


i need that cells values can be changed at any time (im updating inf
from web) , but formulas which are in the cells could not change never

 

[Dave Peterson]

You'll have to keep some cells locked (formula cells) and others unlocked (data
entry).

Select your worksheet
ctrl-a (twice in xl2003) to select all the cells
format|cells|protection tab
uncheck locked
ok

with all the cells selected
edit|goto|special|formulas
format|cells|protection tab
check locked
ok

Now when you protect your worksheet, the formula cells will be locked and all
other cells will be open.

But I'm betting you have other cells that should be locked, too.
Headers/descriptions/instructions kind of thing.

Select those cells and lock those cells, too.

===
Once you see what's happening, you can decide if it's easier to unlock
everything and then lock just the stuff that should be locked

or...

Lock everything and come back and unlock just the cells that should be changed.