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sean13r's avatar
sean13r
Copper Contributor
Sep 01, 2023

Excel - disable "edit anyway" for read-only file

I have an excel file that is shared on onedrive.  I want users to be able to make changes to certain cells, but not to be able to SAVE those changes (unless they change the filename).  I have it set to read only, but users can bypass this by selecting the "edit anyway" button.Is there a way that i can disable or hide the "edit anyway" button?  Alternately, is there a way to prevent changes to the file from auto-saving on one-drive and requiring a password to make any changes?

 

Thanks,

Sean 

  • matt000's avatar
    matt000
    Copper Contributor

    I have same issues but from the other side.  I have to open a bunch of documents that are read-only, add some text, and print.  I never save the documents. 

    I used to be able to just open the files and start typing, but now I have to click "edit anyway" in the little banner that pops down every time before I can type anything in.  is this a setting in my Microsoft office that I need to change?

  • Patrick2788's avatar
    Patrick2788
    Silver Contributor

    It sounds like you're using  "read only recommended". You need a 'password to modify'.

    File | Save As window | Tools | General Options | Password to modify

    • sean13r's avatar
      sean13r
      Copper Contributor

      Patrick2788 

      thank you for the response. but i don't want them to need a password to use the spreadsheet (to modify the contents of cells), i just don't want them to be able to save those modifications to the same file name. 

      • sean13r 

        If you specify a "password to modify", users can still open the workbook without needing the password. In that situation, the workbook will be read-only for them without an option to edit, just like you want.

        But those who need to edit the workbook will have to provide the password.

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