Options Protect Document and Password Features in Excel (29027)

This article was previously published under Q29027

The main difference between Options Protect Document and the Password feature under the File Save As Options command is as follows:

1. The Options Protect Document command allows the file to be opened and viewed, but not edited. However, if there are external references in the worksheet, the cells will update appropriately.
2. The Password feature prevents the opening of a document without the proper password. When the document is requested, Microsoft Excel will prompt for the password. When the document is open, Microsoft Excel allows editing of that document.

Neither feature allows access or editing without the proper password. If you don't use the password, you cannot access or edit the documents.

For more information about protecting your document in Microsoft Excel version 5.0, choose the Search button in Help and type:

   protect sheet
   -or-
   protect workbook