Hi,
I am new to VBA world and am learning things very well here.
I had a belief that .xlsm file can be protected in such a way that others will remain unable to read the code or to make any other change in the cells.
BUT
I just came by following link;
URL Removed by somebody
Does it mean that VBA Code or Formulas can never be protected?
Is there some safe way to protect the file so that no one has even a remote chance to reach the code ever???
Last edited by caabdul; 01-26-2014 at 07:38 PM.
Nobody ever claimed that Excel's security was impregnable. You should only consider it an impediment to accidental changes by non-malicious users.
BTW...I removed the URL you posted. This forum does not allow posting instructions to breaking software security.
Ok, I didn't realize this. But what is meant by BTW...? I have seen this used also in other posts on this site.BTW...I removed the URL you posted. This forum does not allow posting instructions to breaking software security.
Well! It means I should start using .pdf because it is something more secure than .xlsm(No one can see the code behind the screen)
Password protection for opening the file is not easy to crack.....
BTW means "By The Way ...".
Basically, if you want to stop somebody/anybody from accidentally making changes to your data, formula and/or code, then you should be able to achieve that. If you are trying to protect your intellectual property, you are wasting your time.
So, if seeing the calculated values is all they need, a .pdf file is probably your best bet.
Regards, TMS
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
Actually I am a chartered accountant and I was dreaming to build a full feature bookeeping solution in Excel, at least before I came to know about unprotection thing.
As far as functionality is concerned, I am 100% sure that Excel based full feature bookkeeping solution [Like MYOB, ZOHO etc.] can be made but it can never be commercial in this form.
What do you people suggest now?
Can I use VBA Macros knowledge to build such software (Fully Protected) in some form other than excel?
Last edited by caabdul; 01-26-2014 at 08:00 PM.
If you want to build software what can be protected, then check out VisualStudio for building a project that can be deployed.Originally Posted by caabdul
Note: I think there is no 100% Protection possible, what ever solution you use for building the project.
I have found a macro name as follows,
-Deleted- Sorry posted by error in wrong topic
Hello everybody,
I just found a file that has strong protection. Kindly find the attachment. We cannot edit/add macros in this file.
Can somebody describe how macros can be protected in same manner as in the attached file. Please note that sheets contents are not protected.
caabul, I would like to bet money that it would not take more than a few minutes to break that code. I am not able, but I know others that are.
The point here is that no matter how you try to protect an excel file, the protection offered by excel is weak and not to be relied on
1. Use code tags for VBA. [code] Your Code [/code] (or use the # button)
2. If your question is resolved, mark it SOLVED using the thread tools
3. Click on the star if you think someone helped you
Regards
Ford
Hmmm!
How much?
FDibbins, what you are claiming, is a different thing.
But truth is that you are a forum moderator and you say,Then I must consider that above file has a good protection, yes some people can break it in minutes but the people I will be dealing with will never be able to do this at least.I am not able,
Thus kindly help me learn how I can apply thatprotection.
Any help will be well appreciated
My reason for saying I am not able, is because VBA is my weakness
Yes, everybody has strong points so does weak points.
Can you please guide me how to apply this protection
No I cant - my VBA is weak
Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me...
If you are satisfied with my solution click the small star icon on the left. Thanks
1. Make a copy of your workbook and run the following code on your copy (just in case)
2. With excel open, press ALT+F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor (VBE). From the "Insert" menu, select "Module".
3. Paste the code from above into the empty white space. Close the VBE.
4. From the developer tab, choose "Macros", select the Sub Name, and click "Run".
Hi
Sorry to interrupt the conversation... New password to view the code is 123
Cheers
Mod note: File removed for secuity reasons
Last edited by FDibbins; 02-05-2014 at 04:38 PM.
For that protection, just go to VB editor, right click on your .xlsm file from the project explorer, choose VBAproject properties. Click Protection tab, choose lock project, and enter your password. Then close the file and re-open and it should be locked.
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VBA password can be cracked within 2 minutes without expensive programs.
I did know it could be done quickly, but just timed myself on the 'BINMacro.xlsm' file. It took me 1 minute and 9 seconds to remove the password with out any special cracking program.
So if some one wants your code they will get it. Use password protection for n00bs messing up your code... And not for hiding code for other programmers......
I said, within half an hour or so of your OP:
Basically, if you want to stop somebody/anybody from accidentally making changes to your data, formula and/or code, then you should be able to achieve that. If you are trying to protect your intellectual property, you are wasting your time.
And then you said:
Actually I am a chartered accountant and I was dreaming to build a full feature bookeeping solution in Excel, at least before I came to know about unprotection thing.
And now:
... but the people I will be dealing with will never be able to do this at least.
If what you create has value to people, I'm sure they will get behind your code protection. As has been explained and demonstrated, it isn't hard.
Regards, TMS
Well, my money is safe, as I knew it world be
Nice analysis, I have some common sense saved for further steps. Thank you for your advice.If what you create has value to people, I'm sure they will get behind your code protection. As has been explained and demonstrated, it isn't hard.
Regards, TMS
Yes, a bet would have certainly cost me.Well, my money is safe, as I knew it world be
But I am still thinking about it! (about protection, not about bet)
You would be real expert in cracking
May I ask if some protection has challenged you for more than 2 minutes? What is the best protection TACTIC that you have seen so far? I know there are very remote chances of this but there must be something.
caabdul, I think you have had the answers you need here. excel security is for those that dont know excel, and is no deterant to those that know what they are doing.
With that said, the forum is completely against any code/password/security breaking/cracking. I know that was not the purpose or intent of this thread, but it is starting to head that way.
Unless you have further questions regarding applying protection to workbooks - given the acknowledged weakness there-of - I suggest that you mark this thread solved
FDibbins
Some questions are popping in my mind, although I have accepted that Excel Protection is weak to date.
I want to know, when we unlock/crack/unprotect an excel vba based file, does some EVENT happen there?
No there is no event. "Resistance is futile."
- Please remember to mark threads Solved with Thread Tools link at top of page.
- Please use code tags when posting code: [code]Place your code here[/code]
- Please read Forum Rules
I surrender!!
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