OFFXP: Encrypt Document Properties Option Is Unavailable (289899)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2002
  • Microsoft Word 2002
This article was previously published under Q289899

SYMPTOMS

When you display the Encryption Type dialog box, the Encrypt document properties check box is unavailable (appears dimmed).

CAUSE

The Encrypt document properties check box is unavailable if either of the following encryption methods is selected in the Encryption Type dialog box:
  • Weak Encryption (XOR)
  • Office 97/2000 Compatible
The ability to encrypt document properties is a function of the method of encryption that you are using. Neither of these two methods supports this functionality.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, select a different encryption method. Any of the Cryptographic Provider methods listed in the Encryption Type dialog box allows you to encrypt the document properties.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Office XP programs provide support for encryption methods beyond those installed by Office. The number and type of encryption methods listed in the Encryption Type dialog box are a function of the encryption algorithms that are installed on your computer. The encryption algorithms that are listed can vary, according to the version of Microsoft Windows, the version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, and whether the Encryption Pack is installed.

The two encryption methods that do not support the Encrypt document properties functionality are listed in the Encryption Type dialog box because they are encryption methods available in earlier versions of Office. Having these encryption methods available is important, because you may need to share your documents with users who are using earlier versions of Office. The following table outlines which versions of Office support these two encryption methods. 
   Encryption Method              Office Version Support
   -----------------------------------------------------

   Weak Encryption (XOR)         4.2, 4.3, 7.0, 97, 2000
   Office 97/2000 Compatible     97, 2000
For more information about cryptography, please browse to the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/seccrypto/security/about_cryptography.asp

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/29/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB289899
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