How to Unprotect Elements in a Workbook

"Elements" in a workbook generally refers to the structure or the windows appearance of a workbook, although in some connotations users may think of the formulas and cell contents of a worksheet or workbook as being elements. The steps below deal with removing protection of these disparate features differently. Steps 1 and 2 refer to the traditional (Microsoft) meaning of an "element," while steps 3 through 5 deal with removing protection from specific sections of a workbook/worksheet. People who create workbooks have valid reasons for adding protection of certain elements, particularly when the spreadsheet is being distributed to many different users.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Microsoft Office

1. Unprotect workbook elements that prevent changes to the structure of a workbook (adding, deleting or showing hidden worksheets) or the user's ability to change the size or position of workbook windows by clicking on the "Home" main menu.

2. Select the "Review" tab, and then in the "Changes" section select "Protect Workbook." Remove the check marks from the "Structure" and "Windows" boxes.

3. Unprotect those elements of a workbook that are preventing changes to specific cells or ranges by highlighting the cells or ranges in question. Click on the "Home" menu.

4. Click "Format" in the "Cells" group and then click "Format cells." Select the "Protection" tab and clear the check marks in the "Locked" and "Hidden" boxes.

5. Remove all protection from elements and cells in a specific worksheet in a workbook at once by clicking on "Home" and then "Review." Select the "Unprotect Sheet" choice in the "Changes" section.

Tips & Warnings

• You can selectively remove from protection ranges that you want users to be able to change by clicking on the "Allow Users to Edit Ranges" in the "Changes" section described in Step 2.
• Workbook element protection described here is different from overall workbook level password protection. The latter is set through the document properties and requires a password to unprotect. Workbook and worksheet elements may be protected from change with passwords as well, but this does not offer the complete protection of top-level password security.

References

• Special Edition: Using Microsoft Office 2007

Resources

• Excel 2007 Solution Center