Locking the VBA code so people cannot access it?

So what exactly are you trying to protect?
If you want to lock down the VBA module itself you can do that.
If you are trying to lock down a worksheet I dont think you can. As you know you can unlock sheets with brute force, so my question would then be, why include work in the sheet that you dont want to be shared?

I would break everything and send them ONLY what you want them to have.

Originally Posted by Marc L

Hi,

instead of a protected workbook, export data to a pdf file and send it !

Yeah that is always ideal.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the responses!

I either want to achieve one of two things... (Either let them view and play around with it online (an interactive xlsm file exported as a html)- seems impossible! Or send a trial file for them to have a play around with but they can't save or copy it. (To ensure they purchase the full version).

For the second option...

I can't really export it to a PDF file as they would then not be able to play around with it and could they not just convert it back to an Xlsm file with file conversion software?

I want the file to be fully operational for them to use and play with, so they can get a feel for the system and decide to buy it but not keep it/crack it and use it anyway!...

-I've put a macro in there making sure the file can't be saved (force closes if they try to)
-There is a password on to keep it a read only file
-I've put a killme macro in it so it will delete itself after a week (prevents them from keeping it)
-There is a macro in there forcing them to enable macros otherwise the workbook will keep the remaining sheets veryhidden
-I've put a password on the VBA module so they can't copy the Macros... (I know this can be cracked)
-I've password protected the parts of the sheets I don't want them to access
-I've hidden all the formulas
-I've put a macro in there to delete the file attachment in the email once opened...

BUT i know all of this can easily be undone by using another workbook VBA module to crack the password to this workbooks VBA module, then all they would just need to do is delete the macros that prevent the book from being saved/closed/deleted etc, and they would have full access to all of the file.

Is there a way of them NOT being able to access the VBA module at all and completely block it?? If they can gain access to the VBA then they can gain access to all of it, and then they won't buy it!

The file is also over 5MB so i can't really share it and make it a 'prevent download file' online, Skydrive forces them open it in excel. I'm a little stuck!

Cheers for the help so far.

Thomas

you can't fully protect an excel workbook. you'll have to use a spreadsheet compiler like lockxls or a compiled language to write your code

no-I've never had any need for it