Excel-protect column headers.

[WilmaMeier]

Hi folks, New to the community but I've been using Excel for a really long time.  I'm mostly self-taught and have worked with others to show them the shortcuts and work arounds I've created for myself over the years.  The one thing I've never managed to do is freeze or protect column headers so that I don't overwrite what is already there.

I'm frustrated because for the umpty-ump time I've had to go in and correct a column header that I've managed to overwrite, save and close the file without realizing what I've done.

Is there a way to protect certain cells or make excel "yell" at me when I try to write something in a protected cell?

Thanks much!

[#2]

@WilmaMeier 

Step 1: unlock cells.

• Press Ctrl+A twice to select the entire sheet (or click the button at the intersection of the row numbers and column headers).
• Hold down the Ctrl key while you click on the row number of row 1. This removes the first row from the selection.
• Press Ctrl+1 to activate the Format Cells dialog.
• Activate the Protection tab.
• Clear the Locked check box (by default, all cells are locked).
• Click OK.

Step 2: protect the sheet.

• Activate the Review tab of the ribbon.
• Click Protect Sheet.
• Use the check boxes to specify what will be allowed.
• Since this is just to prevent accidentally overwriting the headers, you do not need to enter a password.
• Activate the Error Alert tab of the dialog.
• Enter an appropriate message to be displayed when you try to edit a column header.
• Click OK.
• Save the workbook.