unprotect footer in protected template in Word 2002?

[JohnBrim]

I'm part of a large organization using Word 2002. We are required to use a
protected template multiple times each day to prepare reports. A client name
and ID number are required on the footer of each page. Since the entire
document is protected, we are unable to use the header/footer for this
purpose and must HANDWRITE the information on each page. Management says it
is impossible to leave the footer unprotected without also unprotecting the
entire template and is unwilling to do the latter. I know Word 2007 will
allow selective unprotection of a specific section. Is there a way to do
this in Word 2002? Alternatively, could one include a macro in the protected
template that would prompt for a name and number and insert this in the
footer?

We cubicle slaves will be forever in your debt if you can help with this.

Regards,

John

 

[Robert M. Franz (RMF)]

Hello John

I'm part of a large organization using Word 2002. We are required to use a
protected template multiple times each day to prepare reports. A client name
and ID number are required on the footer of each page. Since the entire
document is protected, we are unable to use the header/footer for this
purpose and must HANDWRITE the information on each page. Management says it
is impossible to leave the footer unprotected without also unprotecting the
entire template and is unwilling to do the latter.

[I would not rely on Management for any technical expertise ... ;-)]

I don't think it's good practice for the users to open the header,
either, though.

Best would be to enter the information somewhere (assigned with a unique
style), and put a STYLEREF field into the footer. Or insert it into a
DOCPROPERTY (File | Properties) and reference that in the footer.

I'm not a form geek myself, so I couldn't say off-hand if you need (VBA)
code make sure the footer updates correctly or whether a change in view
is enough (a normal print would be enough, too, then, provided "Update
Fields" is set in Tools | Options | Print).

Greetings
Robert