How to secure a workbook.

**CJ-22** · 02-20-2007, 11:36 AM

I've created a grade program using excel and visual basic. Several teachers at my school, as well as others throughout the district have asked to use it. What is the best way to put some security in the files so that no one steals my work? I have put a lot of work into this grade program and the thought sometimes crosses my mind to market it (don't even know if this is possible yet). Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks.

**raypayette** · 02-20-2007, 01:50 PM

The best way is to make a DLL, however it requires expertise.
The next best way is to make an add-in and protect the code; it can be made VERY secure.
Finally you can protect your worksheet that is fairly easy to break in.

**blueBird** · 02-20-2007, 01:56 PM

The Add-in option would be good. It'll be lightweight and easy to distribute and you can put password protection on the VB module/code. This protection however, is also quite easy to break...there are softwares available to do that.

That's the reason why making a DLL is the best option.

**CJ-22** · 02-20-2007, 08:40 PM

Thanks for the information. I am not familiar with DLL so I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but what does DLL stand for and where do I start?

**raypayette** · 02-21-2007, 12:10 AM

A DLL is a Dynamic Link Library that can be compiled from C++ or VB6. In fact the VB6 version imports much of Excel's code since there is a reference to it. To get more info, look it up in the Microsoft KBs.