Forum Discussion
Protect Sheet / Workbook doesn't work for me?
Hello, I am trying to make it so that a password is needed to open a particular sheet or workbook. I am well aware of the Protect Sheet and Protect Workbook feature under the Review tab. But when I set a password and verify it, close out the workbook and start it up again, I am still able to open and read said sheet or workbook without having to enter the password. What am I missing here? I want to prevent others from being able to open and read it at all, not just keep someone from modifying it...
2 Replies
those sheet and workbook protections are only for protecting from modification. If you want to lock the whole workbook from open (or modification) that is done in the SAVE menu. If you hit Save As and then you might need to click on the 'more options' to get the classical window (or just click F12). There is a 'Tools' button / drop down next to the save. In that you select General Options and then select the type of protection and the password:
Please note this protection is stronger than either the sheet or workbook protection (i.e. harder to crack) but I would still NOT consider this proper security for any truely sensitive information. Treat all protections like those little luggage locks you put on the zippers, something to keep the casual nosey person out but will not stop someone who really wants to get in.
A more discoverable path to set a workbook Open password is File, Info, Protect Workbook, Encrypt with password.
