Saving with password problem

[John Vanini]

I have tried saving an xls sheet under a different name using a password to
stop others from changing the contents but I can't seem to get it to work.

I go to "File", "Save as", and then click on "Tools" on the "Save As"
dialogue box that comes up.

I choose "General Options" and enter a new password in "Password to Modify"
(I also put a tick in the "Read only recommended" box.

I click okay and another box comes up wanting me to re-enter my password,
which I do and click okay.

I then save the sheet.

Later I load the sheet again and the first thing that happens is I get a
"Password" dialogue box, whixh says "Enter password for write access, or
open read only", so Iclick on the "Read Only" button.

I can then delete and modity whatever, no problem, I want and save it right
on top of the original!

What am I doing wrong, please?

 

[Jim Rech]

I can then delete and modity whatever, no problem, I want

That part is expected. This does not protect a sheet from editing. Use
Tools, Protection, Protect Sheet for that.

That's not what should happen or what happens to me. After I click Read
Only to open the file it says "[Read-Only]" in the worksheet window's
caption. And if I try to save it I cannot overwrite the original. I have
to use another name or another location.

 

[John Vanini]

That's brilliant! It works beautifully! I don't understand why the other
system didn't work as that is what it seemed to imply - but it really
doesn't matter.

Thanks a lot, Jim, I can now password protect my spreadsheet and I'm very
grateful.

John

 

[Gord Dibben]

Just note that Excel's internal password protection is very weak and passwords
easily cracked.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

 

[JE McGimpsey]

Be aware that XL's protection is worth it's weight in tissue paper for
true security:

http://www.mcgimpsey.com/excel/removepwords.html

 

[John Vanini]

Oh dear, I didn't know that. I have produced a census in Excel, and wanted
to put it on the Internet but, obviously, I don't want anyone changing any
details.

I shall have to look for some other way.

Thanks to all for your help,