Protecting embedded spreadsheets in a Word Doc

[Pamela]

I have a Word document in which there are several embedded spreadsheets. I need for the user to enter data only in selected cells of the spreadsheets and selected areas of the Word doc. I am able to protect the embedded spreadsheets. However, when I protect the word document and tab from field to field, it skips over the embedded spreadsheets. How can I protect portions of the spreadsheets and portions of the Word document so that users won't accidentally change portions of the form that they shouldn't change
Thanks for any help on this
Pam

 

[Peter Hewett]

Hi Pamela

Probably the easiest approach to this is to use a toolbar with a button on it that
unprotects the document and activates the Worksheet object for editing.

HTH + Cheers - Peter

 

[Pamela]

Peter, I think I just realized what you were suggesting. Are you saying that I can protect the Word Doc and instruct users to unprotect the document when they get to the spreadsheets? That could work if there is some way to make the document protect itself when the user finishes entering information into the spreadsheet and close it. Do you know a way to do that
Pam

 

[Peter Hewett]

Hi Pamela

You could always add the Excel Worksheet into it's own document Section. This way you can
tell Word to leave this section of your document unprotected. Thus your users can use the
FormFields and edit the Worksheet but nothing else. Use Tools>Protect
Document>Forms>Sections.

HTH + Cheers - Peter

 

[rlampky]

That depends upon your desire.

Create your document with form fields, add a section for the spreadsheet and
protect your document, leaving the spreadsheet section as unprotected. That
way the user can fill out the form, edit or add values to the spreadsheet
and print out the document. There should be no reason to protect the
spreadsheet section unless you do not want them or someone else to return to
the document and alter the spreadsheet once it has been printed or saved

You could use a VBA macro and a toolbar button for the user top lock the
spreadsheet section when they are done, or do it with a dialog box when they
try to print or save the document.

rlampky

Peter, I think I just realized what you were suggesting. Are you saying

that I can protect the Word Doc and instruct users to unprotect the document
when they get to the spreadsheets? That could work if there is some way to
make the document protect itself when the user finishes entering information
into the spreadsheet and close it. Do you know a way to do that?

 

[Peter Hewett]

Hi Pamela

iF the Worksheet is in an unprotected section then you won't need to mess with the
document protection at all.

HTH + Cheers - Peter

 

[Charles Kenyon]

Hi Pamela,

To clarify, a Word document can have multiple sections (usually inserted
Insert => Break...). When such a document is protected for forms, one or
more of the sections can be set to not be "protected."

For more about online forms, follow the links at <URL:
http://addbalance.com/word/wordwebresources.htm#Forms> or <URL:
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Customization/FillinTheBlanks.htm> especially Dian
Chapman's series of articles.

Hope this helps,

Peter, I think I just realized what you were suggesting. Are you saying

that I can protect the Word Doc and instruct users to unprotect the document
when they get to the spreadsheets? That could work if there is some way to
make the document protect itself when the user finishes entering information
into the spreadsheet and close it. Do you know a way to do that?