Security - Setting

[Ardy]

Hello All:
How would one on Open Workbook event(Opening an spreadsheet I assume)
Automatically set the security on Low and on Trusted Sources set the
check box to Trust Access to Visual Basic Projects. The reason being
is that I have this spreadsheet which is pretty much loaded with VB
codes(Thanks to this workgroup) and am going to distribute between
bunch of teachers, I don't know if the option set under their Excel
is set to low security or the trust for VB projects is set. It really
simplifies the matter if the spread sheet can handle and set the
parameter. Any Suggestion

Ardy

 

[Pflugs]

All security settings must be set by the user. If they could be modified
through code, what would stop a virus from using Excel as a backdoor into
your system? Also, "Low" is not recommended since workbooks could contain
malicious code and the user would never know. Keep the setting at "Medium"
despite the hassle.

Best bet, send out a well worded memo with screenshots. If you really don't
want to have them manually change their settings, consider making or
purchasing a digital certificate. Google "Excel Digital Certificate". I
believe Bob Phillips has a tutorial on this.

HTH,
Pflugs

 

[Ardy]

All security settings must be set by the user. If they could be modified
through code, what would stop a virus from using Excel as a backdoor into
your system? Also, "Low" is not recommended since workbooks could contain
malicious code and the user would never know. Keep the setting at "Medium"
despite the hassle.

Best bet, send out a well worded memo with screenshots. If you really don't
want to have them manually change their settings, consider making or
purchasing a digital certificate. Google "Excel Digital Certificate". I
believe Bob Phillips has a tutorial on this.

HTH,
Pflugs

Yhank you, I thought so....... I did google it and All I cameup with
was classes to VB. you don't happen to know the link to Bob's
tutorial....
Ardy

 

[Ardy]

All security settings must be set by the user. If they could be modified
through code, what would stop a virus from using Excel as a backdoor into
your system? Also, "Low" is not recommended since workbooks could contain
malicious code and the user would never know. Keep the setting at "Medium"
despite the hassle.

Best bet, send out a well worded memo with screenshots. If you really don't
want to have them manually change their settings, consider making or
purchasing a digital certificate. Google "Excel Digital Certificate". I
believe Bob Phillips has a tutorial on this.

HTH,
Pflugs

OK I was looking on line to see how I can buy one, it seem to be the
only way I can trutfully say I am not a bad guy. Could somebody tell
me what type I should get, All I have a a single Excel file that I
will be distributing to who ever. I was looking at veri Sign but
there are diffrent types.....
Can somebody point me to the right direction. I know this is a touchy
subject.....
Ardy

 

[Pflugs]

Ardy,

I have not signed my add-ins and macro-containing spreadsheets. For me,
it's not worth the extra yearly cost (yet). However, if you are interested
in pursuing a certificate, this link provided by Microsoft lists some
prominent companies.

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms995347.aspx

If you are only doing one spreadsheet, I really don't think it's worth a
yearly fee, though.

Pflugs

 

[Ardy]

Ardy,

I have not signed my add-ins and macro-containing spreadsheets. For me,
it's not worth the extra yearly cost (yet). However, if you are interested
in pursuing a certificate, this link provided by Microsoft lists some
prominent companies.

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms995347.aspx

If you are only doing one spreadsheet, I really don't think it's worth a
yearly fee, though.

Pflugs

Thanks for the reply, As you can see I am new to all of this
programming and logistics of what to do and distribute what I have. My
next step I guess is to turn what I have to an plugin. but I have to
learn how to do that. I agree abt the cost tied in to single
spreadsheet. but thenagain it started as an simple spreadsheet and
has gotten to be quite elaberate, I am to the point that need to
decide on my next action. I do thank you for your guidance.

Ardy

 

[Pflugs]

Ardy,

May I reccommend a great resource that has helped me turn from VBA novice to
power user? Last year, I purchased "VBA and Macros for Microsoft Excel" by
Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad. It starts right at the basics and works its
way up to advanced programming. Check it out.

To be fair, many of the MVPs on this forum also have resources available.
John Walkenbach has a book also that I will soon be purchasing. What these
books don't cover, this forum can suffice.

Good luck!
Pflugs

 

[Ardy]

Ardy,

May I reccommend a great resource that has helped me turn from VBA novice to
power user? Last year, I purchased "VBA and Macros for Microsoft Excel" by
Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad. It starts right at the basics and works its
way up to advanced programming. Check it out.

To be fair, many of the MVPs on this forum also have resources available.
John Walkenbach has a book also that I will soon be purchasing. What these
books don't cover, this forum can suffice.

Good luck!
Pflugs

Pflugs:
Thanks for the book suggestion, I did order it. I am sure I will be
munching on this. Do you have suggestion as to a good resource into
making Exell Applets/Macros into plugins......

Ardy

 

[Pflugs]

Just so we're clear: by "plug-ins" do you mean add-ins (.xla files)? If so,
then the book you ordered does contain a chapter on add-ins. I would also
reccommend learning more about custom menus, toolbars, and events
(particularly Install and Uninstall) if you're going to be writing add-ins
for other people.

I myself have about 2 years Excel VBA experience, and I am just starting to
write quality add-ins for people in my workgroup. You need to think about
error handling, user interface, and readable code to do this. Remember to
comment everything.

There are also three other types of add-ins for Excel besides .XLA (that I
am aware of): .XLL, .COM, & .DLL. I think .XLL can be written using VBA, but
you will need C++ or VB to write the others, though they can be much more
powerful. All three are beyond my realm of expertise. You will want to look
for Excel MVP sites in order to learn more about those. (i.e. John
Walkenbach, Tushar Mehta, Bob Phillips, Bill Jelen, etc. - my apologies to
those I didn't name).

HTH,
Pflugs

 

[NickHK]

Check out Google for 'SelfCert.exe".
This will allow the experiment with certificates/signing code before you
spend any money.
It may be sufficient for your needs.

NickHK

 

[Pflugs]

Nick,

It is my understanding that SelfCert only allows you to certify your own
workbooks on your OWN computer. When I read on this it, it seemed that if
you distributed workbooks signed this way, customers would still have to
approve them every time. This happened on my trials, too. Is that not the
case?

Thanks,
Pflugs