XL2002: Unable to Select Unprotected Cells (292468)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2002
This article was previously published under Q292468

SYMPTOMS

When you prevent a user from selecting locked cells in a protected Microsoft Excel worksheet, the user may now be unable to select any cells within ranges that you set up to allow users to edit.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when you click to clear the Select Locked Cells check box (in the Protect Sheet dialog box) to prevent users from selecting any cells beyond the defined range.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use one of the following methods:
  • Do not clear the Select Locked Cells check box when you protect a worksheet:
    1. Start Excel, open your workbook, and then select the range that you want to allow access to.
    2. On the Tools menu, click Protection, and then click Allow Users to Edit Ranges.
    3. Click New, and then click OK.
    4. Click Protect Sheet, leave the Select Locked Cells check box selected, and then click OK.
    -or-

  • Unlock the cells to provide access to a range of cells instead of clicking to select the Allow Users to Edit Ranges check box. To do so, follow these steps:

    1. Start Excel, open your workbook, and then select the range that you want to allow access to.
    2. On the Format menu, click Cells, and then click the Protection tab.
    3. Click to clear the Locked check box, and then click OK.
    4. Click Protect Sheet, click to clear the Select Locked Cells check box, and then click OK.
    NOTE: This method allows all users to edit the range.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Excel allows you to grant permissions to specific users and user groups to modify selected ranges within a protected worksheet. To make it easier to move through editable ranges, you can also disable the user's ability to select cells within the locked portion of the worksheet.

REFERENCES

For more information about protecting workbooks, worksheets and specific cell ranges, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type protection in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/21/2001
Keywords:kbbug KB292468
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.