WD2002: Document Properties of a Document That Is Saved Without Document Encryption Can Be Changed (825887)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2002

SYMPTOMS

When document encryption is not employed and enforced in Word 2002, the document properties of a document that is saved without document encryption can be changed (edited) in Windows Explorer.

CAUSE

By default, the Password to modify feature, the Password to Open (without encryption) features, and the Protect Document feature do not use encryption and are not valid security features. This situation occurs if you want to help protect the document with a password in either of the following ways:
  • On the Tools menu, you click Protect Document, and then type a password in the Protect Document dialog box.
  • On the Security tab, you type a password in the Password to modify box or in the Password to Open box.

    To view the Security tab, click Save As on the File menu in Word. In the Save As dialog box, click Tools, and then click Security Options.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, save your document with an RC4 encryption type. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. On the File menu, click Save As.
  2. In the Save As dialog box, click Tools, and then click Security Options.
  3. On the Security tab, click Advanced.
  4. In the Encryption Type dialog box, select at least an RC4 encryption type.

    For example, click RC4, Microsoft Base Cryptographic Provider 1.0.
  5. Also, in the Encryption Type dialog box, click to select the Encrypt document properties check box.
  6. Click OK to close the Encryption Type dialog box.
  7. On the Security tab, type the password that you want to use, and then click OK.
  8. In the Save As dialog box, click Save to complete the save of your document.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

In Microsoft Office XP, you can now save your password-protected documents with an encryption type to help provide a higher level of protection.

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

290112 OFFXP: General Information about Microsoft Office XP Encryption

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:11/4/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB825887 kbAudEndUser
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