Protecting IP in VBA Code

[Max F]

In an automated EXCEL file, how might one limit access to and protect
the VBA code that includes intellectual property, from users of the
file, eg deny or restrict access to all or part of the VBA code?
How might one create a user interface for an automated EXCEL file so
that the file and its VBA code are invisible and not accessible?
References would be appreciated.
Max F

 

[Charles Maxson]

Max,

From the VBA editior you can protect a project from being accessed.

Select:

Tools | VBA Project Properties > Protection tab > Lock project for viewing

and add your password/confirm/OK

However, as you know, passwords can be compromised (tools/accidents, etc.).
A better methodology to really locking IP behind VBA is to do something like
write your code as a VB6 COM addin, which since it is complied code, would
really prove tough to crack.

 

[Harlan Grove]

In an automated EXCEL file, how might one limit access to and protect
the VBA code that includes intellectual property, from users of the
file, eg deny or restrict access to all or part of the VBA code?
How might one create a user interface for an automated EXCEL file so
that the file and its VBA code are invisible and not accessible?
References would be appreciated.

The password protection that Excel provides, even for VBA projects, is
adequate only for discouraging innocent, merely curious and unsophisticated
users. It's as effective against a persistent and knowledgable cracker as
the Maginot Line was at keeping Nazi Germany out of France. Meaning that if
you believe your users are relatively skilled and have a burning desire to
steal your IP, you'd be a fool to put any of your IP into an Excel workbook.