Multiple users accessing the same workbook and Hiding/Protecting data

**Uncle heFTy** · 10-14-2011, 02:33 AM

Good morning,

I am looking for help and guidance on a problematic issue for my business.

We currently have a number of colleagues who have to enter data into an input sheet (one for each functional department) each of these input sheets the feeds and links to a central analysis sheet (which contains costing and charging data) which, in turn, links to a set of invoices. We are working on XP and Excel 2003.

The MD of the business is concerned that the only area that has access to costing and charging is central administration and so we are almost forced into a three stage process.

So, my questions relate to:

Can multiple users access and update a single workbook at the same time - currently Excel comes up with a message that says it can be opened 'read only' - I would expect individuals to work on their own sheet.
Is it possible to hide the cost and charge data on an individual sheet and only allow the input colleague to access and change input data?

I have looked at various Excel 'manuals' and cannot get really concise and informative answers - that is why I have come here where I know I will get a good response.

Thanks in advance
Uncle H

**vlady** · 10-14-2011, 03:59 AM

If your using Excel 2003

go to Tools -> Protection -> Protect and Share Workbook - password

after that go again to Tools->Shareworkbook. Change time of save to your convinience.

hope that added some ideas.Please tell me if that worked.

In Excel 2010
Under REVIEW Menu -Protect and Share Workbook - password

**royUK** · 10-14-2011, 04:24 AM

I have posted examples that restrict users' access to specific sheets. It involves VBA, search on my name for passwordform

**TMS** · 10-14-2011, 06:21 AM

I believe the only way that users can edit a workbook at the same time is if the workbook is shared.

However, that is not recommended as workbooks shared in this way are notoriously unreliable and prone to corruption.

Regards