prevent reading or any access to selected cells

[R]

Spreadsheet has personal data such as names, addresses. Also has Social
Security Numbers, which should be private.

Trying to send the file to someone so they can edit part of the file. Don't
want them even to see the SSNs.

I know how to protect a cell from editing and how to hide columns, but
can't figure how to allow editing but prevent even seeing the contents of
certain cells.

Am sure it's simple, but I'm stumped.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Excel's security isn't made to protect this kind of stuff.

If the recipient shouldn't see that info, then don't share the workbook with
them.

Maybe you can send them a unique id (not SSN, maybe name (first, last, mi)) and
then you can use =vlookup() to retrieve what you need and put it into your
workbook.

 

[Gord Dibben]

Excel's internal security is very weak and passwords for protection are
easily cracked.

The rule I and many others use is

"If you don't want them to see it, don't include it in the workbook"

Send them the parts of the workbook they are to edit.

When they send it back, make changes to the one with the SSN's


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP