Disable copy paste function without VBA code

Amila_Rambukwella 

So far I know…Excel doesn’t offer a native, non-VBA solution to fully disable copy-paste functionality or restrict drag-and-drop operations in specific cells while keeping drop-down lists intact.

That’s why I give some few alternative approaches, they don't completely solve the problem, but they could help. If not, please ignore these approaches.

Marthurvin 

To address the problem of users inadvertently breaking formulas and formatting in a protected Excel workbook without using VBA, there are a few approaches you can take. Although completely disabling copy-paste isn't possible without VBA, you can mitigate the issue by using data validation, worksheet protection settings, and designing the sheet in a way that reduces the likelihood of errors.

Approach 1: Using Data Validation and Worksheet Protection

1. Unlock Cells for Data Entry:
• Select all the cells where you want users to enter data.
• Right-click and select Format Cells.
• Go to the Protection tab and uncheck Locked.
• Click OK.
2. Apply Data Validation:
• Select the cells with drop-down lists or data entry.
• Go to Data tab -> Data Validation.
• Set up your data validation criteria.
3. Protect the Worksheet:
• Go to the Review tab.
• Click on Protect Sheet.
• Ensure Protect worksheet and contents of locked cells is checked.
• Ensure Select unlocked cells is checked.
• Enter a password if required and click OK.

Approach 2: Use Conditional Formatting to Highlight Issues

1. Highlight Cells with Potential Errors:
• Use conditional formatting to highlight cells where formulas or formatting have been altered.
• Go to Home tab -> Conditional Formatting.
• Create a rule to highlight cells that deviate from expected formats or values.

Approach 3: Design the Sheet to Minimize Errors

1. Use Separate Sheets for Data Entry and Calculations:
• Separate the data entry areas from the calculation areas.
• Use references to link the data entry sheet to the calculation sheet.
• Protect the calculation sheet entirely, allowing no changes.
2. Provide Clear Instructions:
• Add comments or notes to guide users on how to correctly enter data without breaking the structure.
• Use color coding or shading to differentiate between editable cells and protected cells.
3. Restrict Formatting Changes:
• Ensure that in the Protect Sheet dialog, options like Format cells, Format columns, and Format rows are unchecked to prevent users from making formatting changes.

Approach 4: Monitoring and Error Checking

1. Use Built-in Excel Features for Error Checking:
• Enable Excel’s built-in error checking features to catch common errors.
• Go to File -> Options -> Formulas.
• Ensure Enable background error checking is checked.
2. Use Helper Columns for Validation:
• Create hidden helper columns that validate data entry and highlight discrepancies.
• Use functions like IF, ISERROR, or COUNTIF to create checks.

Example Implementation

Unlock and Protect Cells:

// Select cells A1:A10 (example for data entry)

1. Right-click -> Format Cells -> Protection -> Uncheck Locked
2. Data -> Data Validation -> Set criteria
3. Review -> Protect Sheet -> Check "Protect worksheet and contents of locked cells" and "Select unlocked cells"

Conditional Formatting for Errors:

// Highlight cells with invalid data

1. Select range
2. Home -> Conditional Formatting -> New Rule
3. Use a formula to determine which cells to format: =ISERROR(A1) (example)
4. Set desired formatting

Separate Data Entry and Calculation Sheets:

// Example of linking sheets

1. Data Entry in Sheet1
2. Calculations in Sheet2
3. In Sheet2, reference Sheet1: =Sheet1!A1
4. Protect Sheet2 completely

By following these approaches, you can significantly reduce the risk of users breaking your formulas and formatting, even without disabling copy-paste functionality directly. These methods provide a robust way to manage user input and maintain the integrity of your workbook. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.