

If you want to control who can open and view your Excel file, file-level protection is the appropriate choice. If you do forget them, we may be able to help with that as well. If you’re going to protect these items, use strong passwords but ones that you’ll remember.

Worksheet-level encryption. Set a password for elements within a worksheet that limits what users can do.Ī word of caution, it’s difficult (but not impossible) to get back into an Excel file, workbook, or worksheet if you’ve misplaced or forgotten your password.Workbook-level encryption. Set a password for a workbook that locks its structure and prevents users from making any changes.File-level encryption. The ability to set a password for your entire Excel file so that only authorized users can access it.There are several levels and options available. If you’re concerned about access to your data, the first thing you’ll need to decide is what sort of protection you want to put in place. Different Levels of Excel Protection and Security However, it’s a good one to know when your hands are tied.Learn how to protect your Excel files and data with this guide. I recommend using an Excel sheet instead of protecting a Word table in this manner, because this Word protection technique isn’t very flexible. If the document contains elements and text other than the table, Word protects everything but the Text Form Field controls. You can only select and input data in the cells containing a Text Form Field control. (In Word 2003, you can click Protect Form on the Forms toolbar instead.)Īfter enabling protection, Word won’t let you select normal text.

Editing Restrictions, and then click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection. In the resulting task pane, choose Filling In Forms from 2.In Word 2003, choose Protect Document from the Tools menu. Click Restrict Editing in the Protect group.Continue to select input cells and insert controls until you’re done.In Word 2003, display the Forms toolbar and click Text Form Field. In the Controls group, click the Legacy Tools option and choose Text Form Field.Select a cell where you want users to enter information.Create the table and enter the labels or values you want to protect as you normally would.To protect and unprotect cells in a Word table, do the following:

The solution’s a bit convoluted and works best with a simple document. Only those cells with the controls will allow changes. Protecting cells in a Word table isn’t as easy, but it can be done: you insert a Text Form Field control into each cell where you want users to input or modify values. Protecting specific cells in an Excel sheet is easy. Protecting data in a Word table isn't as simple as turning a protection feature on, but it's possible using Text Form Field controls. How to protect cells in a Word table using a Text Form Field
