Error Message When You Try to Edit Multiple Cells in a Protected Worksheet by Using a Single Password (813972)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Excel 2003

SYMPTOMS

When you try to edit cells in a Microsoft Office Excel 2003 workbook, you may receive the following error message:
Some of the cells you are trying to change are password protected, but no one password will allow access to all of the cells. Click OK, and then try editing one cell at a time.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if all the following conditions are true:
  • The worksheet is protected with a password.
  • You try to simultaneously edit multiple cells.
  • The multiple cells are protected with a single password.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, follow these steps:
  1. Double-click any one of the cells in the range of cells that you want to edit.
  2. When Excel prompts you for the password, type your password, and then click OK.
  3. Continue to perform an operation that involves the editing of multiple password-protected cells.
Notice that you do not receive the error message, and that your operation is completed successfully.

STATUS

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

MORE INFORMATION

The error message is misleading because one password actually can permit access to all the cells. However, you must type the password for at least one of the cells before you can perform a multiple-cell edit.

Example of the Problem

  1. In Excel 2002, type any text into cells A1:A2.
  2. Select cell B1.
  3. On the Tools menu, point to Protection, and then click Allow Users to Edit Ranges.
  4. Click New, and then under Refers to cells, type =$B$1.
  5. Under Range password, type test.
  6. Click OK, confirm the password, and then click OK again.
  7. Click New, and then under Refers to cells, type =$B$2.
  8. Under Range password, type test.
  9. Click OK, confirm the password, and then click OK again.
  10. Click Protect Sheet, and then click OK.
  11. Select cells A1:A2.
  12. On the Edit menu, click Copy.
  13. Select B1.
  14. On the Edit menu, click Paste.
Note You receive the error message that is described in the "Symptoms" section of this article.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/11/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB813972 kbAudEndUser
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