Protecting an entire Excel File

**3smees23** · 05-15-2009, 09:54 AM

Hi all,

I was wondering if there is some way of protecting an entire Excel file so that you are required to enter a password to access it.

If there is such a way how secure are they? I have had a quick look online and found several Microsoft password cracking sites.

Cheers

Sam

**3smees23** · 05-15-2009, 10:06 AM

Hi all,

I was wondering if there is some way of protecting an entire Excel file so that you are required to enter a password to access it.

If there is such a way how secure are they? I have had a quick look online and found several Microsoft password cracking sites.

I'm currently have Excel 2000.

Cheers

Sam

**shg** · 05-15-2009, 10:10 AM

File > Save As > Tools > General Options

Excel was not designed to be a secure environment by any stretch.

**broro183** · 05-15-2009, 10:23 AM

As Shg states, Excel's not designed to be secure - here is a link with brief comments...
http://spreadsheetpage.com/index.php...otection_faq1/

hth
Rob

**KevinThomas** · 05-15-2009, 10:27 AM

Tools -> Protection -> Protect Workbook.

You cna then enter a password to unlock. Alternatively you can use

Tools -> Options -> Security and set passwords to open or modify.

Most passwords are crackable with the correct software

**shg** · 05-15-2009, 10:32 AM

Threads merged.

3smees23, suggest you review the forum rules.

**3smees23** · 05-15-2009, 02:01 PM

Hey,

Sorry about that, didnt notice it was in the wrong forum then didnt know how to delete it.

I have created a picking sheet for our company that shows stock, its cost to us and thier mark ups. In the past some one sent this out to a client and I wanted to know if there was a way to stop people viewing the information on the sheet until they type in some sort of password.

I need to use excel as its linked to a program called Cash 4 Windows.

Thanks

Sam

**shg** · 05-15-2009, 07:25 PM

If the information is sensitive, you don't want them to have it at all.

If they need some of the information, you can export a sheet that contains the info I need. I have a workbook I use to develop pricing that contains every piece of sensitive information possible. It has a macro that exports a pricing summary one directory up, so that the two files are never in the same directory.

**3smees23** · 05-16-2009, 06:24 AM

Problem is that this sheet is an estimator that is directly linked to our stock list. Then the salesman enters the quantities and also has the ability to ajust the markup. I have attached the sheet to give you an idea of what im trying to protect.

I need everything in one sheet so I cant split sensitive information up. I found that you can set a password for the user to disable when opening the file. In excel I went to, Save as - tools - general options. I was able to set a password in here. How safe is this? I would use a password with lowercase, uppercase, symbols, letters and numbers. Surely this wouldnt be easily cracked?

Regards,

Sam