Password with linked documents

I have set up a monthly system that requires the previous month's data so the files are linked. Each month is a separate file, and each file is password protected with the same password.

When December of 2008 was the first file; this one is not linked so it stands alone. However, Jan 2009 is linked to Dec 2008 so when opening the Jan 2009 file a password must be entered twice. Along the same lines, Feb 2009, when opened prompts the user to enter the password three times.

Am I to understand that by the end of 2009 in order to open Dec 2009, a password will need to be entered 13 times? If so, is there any way of circumventing the need for so many password entries without getting rid of the security of having a password locked file?

Thanks

Anybody have an idea?

i havent 2003 but i believe you can use something like
Workbooks.Open filename:="Test2.xls", updateLinks:=3, _ password:="test"
best you ask agin in the programming sub forum

thanks, will do.