read-only option not appearing on file menu

It seems that some people can see the read-only option on their file menu and others cannot. Is this an option that can be changed?

I can't possibly protect every file, so as a safety precaution we like to open files with the read-only option when we just want to take a look at something or print something.

Thanks
Marnie

you prob have diferenf excel versions.
on mine i click file /open /right click workbook and have a choice to open read only. (excel 97). my colleague has office xp and his excel is file /open/click on desired work book and in the bottom right of the pane change from open to read only in the drop down.