Excel 2007 : Unable to Lock Textbox in 2007

**scottmalone** · 02-04-2009, 03:28 PM

In Excel 2003 it was straightforward to Lock a textbox while leaving the text itself unlocked, so that once the worksheet was protected, users could enter and modify text in the box, but not move/resize/delete the box itself.

In Excel 2007, the process seems to be similar. If you right click the textbox outline and select Size and Properties from the context menu, then select Properties, then you can check/uncheck the Locked and the Lock text options.

However, I have checked Locked, but then after protecting the sheet, the textbox is NOT in fact locked (it can be moved/resized/deleted), and when I look back in the textbox Properties, the "Locked" checkbox is no longer checked and it is greyed-out.

Any suggestions as to what is going on?

PS: Please ignore that my user info says I use Excel 2003...I am using 2007 and just need to update my profile.

**Andy Pope** · 02-05-2009, 06:26 AM

Do you have the Edit Objects checked when protecting the sheet.

I am unable to replicate your scenario. For me a locked textbox is locked and unselectable when sheet is protected.

**scottmalone** · 02-12-2009, 08:56 PM

I generally do not have the Edit Objects option checked when I protect the sheet, but I have tried it both ways, and in both cases the textbox is not locked even when the sheet is protected.