How to Lock Excel Workbooks

Excel workbooks often contain important data, such as budgets, sales figures or even client and employee databases. While you might want to allow staff members to have access to these workbooks, it is probably crucial that this data is not altered, whether accidentally or intentionally. Fortunately, Excel provides tools that allow you to lock the entire workbook. The tools can be used to protect the workbook from being deleted or changed and to protect the window size. You can also add a password so that the protection cannot be removed.

Instructions

1. Go to the "Tools" menu in Excel 2003, point to "Protection" and click "Protect Workbook." In Excel 2007, go to the "Review" tab and click "Protect Workbook."

2. 

   Protect the workbook window so that it cannot be re-sized or repositioned. Select the "Windows" check box.

3. 

   Protect the structure of the workbook so that it cannot be moved, deleted, hidden or renamed by selecting the "Structure" check box.

4. 

   Add a password in the "Password" box to prohibit users from removing the "Structure" or "Windows" protection. Click "OK" and re-enter the password when prompted.

5. 

   Require a password to open and/or modify the workbook. Click the "Office Button" in Excel 2007 or "File" in Excel 2003 or earlier and select "Save As." Click "Tools" on the "Save As" dialog box and then select "General Options." Enter a password in "Password to Open," "Password to Modify" or both and then click "OK."

References

• Secure a Workbook with a Password
• Protect Worksheet or Workbook Elements