Distribution of Word templates with macros

[alex1st]

Hello,

I have created a Word tempalte (with a lot of form-fields) and several
macros to assist in calculations. This was done in Word 2007, but I need
compatability with Word 2003. I need to distribute this tempalte to a group
of people in different places, who are not very computer literate, but are
able to double-click the template file and fill in required data.

I cannot ask them to start moving the file into Trusted Locations or tweak
the Trustel Locations by themselves. This is, unfortunately, impractical.
So, I created a self-signed digital signature. Signed my macro with it and
send the file to several people to test. In some cases this worked on 2003,
but in most cases, the option of "Trust the source" did not even appear in
the security options dialog, stating that this digital signature is invalid.

Is there a way to work around this distribution issue, without paying for a
commercial signature? Once again, I'd like to make in "fool-proof", i.e. give
them a file that they can click on and maybe a couple of simple instructions
both for 2003 and 2007 (which are different).

10x in advance,
Alex

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

If these are forms that are being returned to you, is it essential for the
recipient of your templates to actually have the calculations performed
before they return the form to you? If you can get by with then just
inputing data, you could have the calculations performed on the data when
the form is returned to you.

--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP, originally posted via msnews.microsoft.com

 

[alex1st]

The "workaround" I have found to overcome all the distribution issues is to
send the certificate file with the digital signature to all my recipients and
ask them to install it as the trusted authority. Following that, Word (both
2003 and 2007) are set to trust this authority.

This has to be done only once. All updates to the templates bearing the same
digital signature will be trusted.

Enjoy,
Alex