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Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

  1. #1
    Forum Contributor VAer's Avatar
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    Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    It seems that: whenever I update the workbook or move the workbook, it will ask me if I want to Enable Content (for VBA code).

    Is there a way not to show "Enable Content"? Just enable it by default for all team members. It is just workplace workbook, code is written by team members, so the file is 100% safe.

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    Re: Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    The prompt asking whether to "Enable Content" is a security feature in Excel designed to prevent potentially malicious code from running automatically.
    However, there are ways to handle this so that trusted workbooks can be enabled without repeatedly prompting team members:

    1. Digitally Sign the Macro
    You can create or use a digital certificate to sign your VBA project. This will inform Excel that the code comes from a trusted source, and you won’t need to enable content each time.

    Steps to sign the macro:

    Open your Excel workbook.
    Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
    Go to Tools > Digital Signature.
    Click Choose and select an existing certificate, or create a new one using the SelfCert.exe tool.
    Save the workbook after signing it.
    Note: A self-signed certificate will need to be trusted by your team members on their computers.

    2. Adjust Trust Center Settings
    Team members can change their Excel Trust Center settings to trust the location where the workbook is stored.

    Steps to trust a file location:

    Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
    Select Trusted Locations and add the folder path where the workbook is stored.
    Ensure all workbooks placed in this location are trusted and won’t show the "Enable Content" prompt.
    Important: This method should only be used for trusted locations to ensure security is not compromised.

    3. Deploy Group Policy for Trusted Locations (IT Admin Only)
    If you have administrative rights or an IT team managing group policy, you can set a trusted location for Excel across all team members' computers.

    Steps for an IT admin:

    Use Group Policy Management Editor to navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Excel 2016/2019/Office 365 > Excel Options > Security > Trust Center > Trusted Locations.
    Add the network path or folder location to the list of trusted locations.
    Summary:
    Digital Signature: Sign macros to avoid prompts.
    Trusted Locations: Set the workbook folder as trusted.
    Group Policy: IT-managed solution for team-wide settings.
    Using these methods will help eliminate the "Enable Content" prompt for team members while maintaining security and trust in workplace documents.
    Quang PT

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    Forum Contributor VAer's Avatar
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    Re: Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    Thanks. It seems that there is no way for me (who wrote the program) to do everything without getting team members involved? I think I will just let team member to keep clicking Enable Content whenever Excel prompts the message.
    Last edited by AliGW; 11-04-2024 at 04:19 AM. Reason: Please don't quote unnecessarily - use the Quick Reply button instead. Please review the forum guidelines.

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    Forum Guru TMS's Avatar
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    Re: Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    They should (usually) only have to do it once. Then it will become Trusted.
    Trevor Shuttleworth - Retired Excel/VBA Consultant

    I dream of a better world where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned

    'Being unapologetic means never having to say you're sorry' John Cooper Clarke


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    Forum Contributor VAer's Avatar
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    Re: Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    For option 1, if I update the app in the future, does team members have to trust it again? Will previous certificate work?
    Last edited by AliGW; 11-04-2024 at 04:19 AM. Reason: Please don't quote unnecessarily - use the Quick Reply button instead. Please review the forum guidelines.

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    Re: Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    I would imagine so.
    Last edited by AliGW; 11-04-2024 at 04:20 AM. Reason: Please don't quote unnecessarily - use the Quick Reply button instead. Please review the forum guidelines.

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    Forum Contributor VAer's Avatar
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    Re: Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    Sorry, previous post has two sub questions:
    1. does team members have to trust it again?
    2. Will previous certificate work?


    So you are answering second question and think previous certificate will work?
    Last edited by AliGW; 11-04-2024 at 04:20 AM. Reason: Please don't quote unnecessarily - use the Quick Reply button instead. Please review the forum guidelines.

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    Re: Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    Re 1. If they have previously added your certificate as trusted, they should not be forced to accept it again, despite the changes made in the future.
    Re 2. The certificate should continue to work until it expires.

    You must remember to digitally sign it again each time you publish a new version of the workbook.

    Still another solution may be to provide users with the workbook in the form of an add-in (*.xlam), but this may involve a significant redesign of the current project.

    Artik

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    Re: Is there a way not to allow Enable Content?

    @bebo021999

    Thanks. Option 2 works in my personal PC, but not working in work laptop, due to network setting.

    So option 2 is good.

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