Programming a Copyright pop-up on opening

[jgn2112]

Regarding the attached spreadsheet, I would like a pop-up window to appear upon opening the file whereupon the user is greeted with a copyright message and are then given a choice to adhere to the copyright policy and continue (e.g. "I Agree"), or disagree and the spreadsheet closes or will not open (e.g. "I Disagree").
I am certain this can be done with VBA. But every spreadsheet I have attempted VBA with I have damaged more than helped. Thank you!
- John

[jgn2112]

Apologies...the file was accidentally not uploaded in the original message.
Many thanks!

[shg]

There are three parts to this.

• Force the user to enable macros on opening by keeping all sheets VeryHidden until enabled.
  
• Pop up a userform in the Open event for the workbook, and unhide sheets when the user accepts the message.
  
• Protect the VBA project, so someone doesn't just bypass your protections.

Someone may be kind enough to show you how to do all three, but they are three independent issues that you could solve piecemeal by searching the forum.

[royUK]

Search for splash screens.

I'm not really sure what you could copyright in the attached workbook though.

[jgn2112]

yes, i recall something about hiding everything and basically having a splash screen (forgot what it was called) that forced someone to enable macros, upon which the spreadsheet would unhide itself.
If any who are VBA experts feel so inclined to take this challenge on, please feel free. In the meantime I will see how badly I can do.
Thank you for the help.

There are three parts to this.

• Force the user to enable macros on opening by keeping all sheets VeryHidden until enabled.
  
• Pop up a userform in the Open event for the workbook, and unhide sheets when the user accepts the message.
  
• Protect the VBA project, so someone doesn't just bypass your protections.

Someone may be kind enough to show you how to do all three, but they are three independent issues that you could solve piecemeal by searching the forum.

[shg]

Post in haste, repent at leisure.

You can't hide all the worksheets. You can make the splash sheet the unhidden sheet. I think (haven't tried) that you can make the workbook invisible (like an add-in) and use a form, but the splash sheet would be easier and faster.

Roy is more expert on this that I.

[jgn2112]

Bottom line, this isn't anything that I'm going to be able to figure out any time soon. So maybe there is yet an easier, if not more complete way to satisfy one of my goals...
When opening up a spreadsheet, in the very far upper left on the actual border of the window it will say, "Microsoft Excel - *file name*" -- Is there any way to simply program a code so that after the filename it reads something to the effect of: "(c) John Nygaard, 2008" ?
Many people have been asking for this spreadsheet and I intend on giving it out as freeware but would like to copyright it first and some other manner than just typing in the copyright on the first sheet or something.
My original idea is going to be above my head...that I can tell already. At least with my self-imposed timeline. It may be something I can figure out over a period of time as I piece it together here and there.

[shg]

Why not just put a copyright notice on any sheet? I believe it carries the same weight irrespective of where it appears.

As Roy said, it's not clear what you're copyrighting ...

[jgn2112]

I want to copyright the entire workbook so that when I give it out no one can then submit it somewhere for profit or sell it themselves for profit. If I just put a copyright notice in one cell somewhere on each sheet, it could easily be erased. Granted, anything I do could be erased or omitted with some know-how, but I at least want to try to cover my bases before giving this spreadsheet away to anyone.

[shg]

I think you ought to read about copyright law (there are a host of resources available on the web; one is http://www.rbs2.com/copyr.htm) or (preferably) talk to a lawyer.

Our advice is limited to Excel.

[royUK]

As I said, I don't think your copyright will be that valid. You can create a userform to act as splash screen, lots of examples on the web. The best way around this would be to hide all sheets except one that will have the copyright notice & an accept button. When clicked this will unhide the other sheets, I have posted code on the Forum to do this. This sheet could also act as a macro reminder. You could store the acceptance in the workbook & not show the sheet in future.

[jgn2112]

Roy,
I think that will do fine. Thanks for your help...I'll get searching!