Protecting Data in MS Excel

Many times it is necessary to protect worksheet information that is used and shared with others.

Private information should be protected from unauthorized access. An expense report worksheet with complex formulas should be protected so that someone cannot unintentionally destroy the design of the report.

Excel proves several ways to control and restrict the use of workbooks, worksheets and the data they contain.

Protection can be established in a variety of ways depending on the extent of control that is needed.

Below you will bee the levels of protection that are available to you:

File

• Saves a backup copy each time the workbook is saved.
   
• Restricts file access to only users with a password.
   
• Restricts the file editing to only users with a password.
   
• Prompts users to open the file in Read-only mode.

Workbook

• Restricts users from adding, deleting, moving, or manipulating worksheets.
   
• Restricts users from manipulating window size and position.
   
• Password to add/remove restrictions is optional.

Shared Workbook

• Restricts users from disabling the Track Changes feature.
   
• Password to ad/remove feature is optional.

Worksheet

• Restricts users from making changes to worksheet contents.
   
• Restricts users from making changes to graphic objects.
   
• Restricts users from making changes to graphic objects.
   
• Restricts users from making changes to scenarios.
   
• Password to add/remove restrictions is optional

Cell

• Enables users to make changes to specific worksheet cells while locking others from use.
   
• Restricts the formulas that are contained in specific cells from appearing in the formula bar.
   
• Formulas are hidden and only the results of the formulas are displayed.

Pretty interesting information isn't it? Next time I'll tell you how to implement this protection.

When you become a member at CarolsCornerOffice.com, you have access to this and many, many more articles that include screenshots. Don't delay: visit us today!