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cjl1961

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cjl1961

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January 5th, 2008 07:00

Question about opening an Excel file

If I am in the wrong catagory please let me know.
 
Is there a way to put a password on a file before it can be opened. I have some sensitive data on a CD that I dont want just anybody to be able to open. I know I can put a password on editing, but is there a way to put a password on it BEFORE the file is accessed. Like to know if there is the same on Word. I am using Office 2003 on a XP system.
 
Thanks,
Chuck
  • BigBrother

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    Posted January 5th, 2008 20:00

    cjl1961,
     
    Here is some info from the MS Office Excel2003 help file:
     
    Securing a workbook file

    You can help secure an entire workbook file by restricting who can open and use its data and by requiring a password to view or save changes to the file.

    HidePassword security

    Password security at the workbook file level uses advanced encryption (a standard method of securing the content of a file) to help protect your workbook from unauthorized access. A password can be set on the Security tab of the Options dialog box ( Tools menu, Options command). You can specify two separate passwords that users must type to:
    • Open and view the file    This password is encrypted to help protect your data from unauthorized access.
    • Modify the file    This password is not encrypted and is only meant to give specific users permission to edit workbook data and save changes to the file.
    These passwords apply to the entire workbook file. For optimal password security, it's best to always assign a password to open and view the file, and have users with permission to modify data enter both passwords.

    Note  Password protection of a workbook file is separate from the workbook structure and window protection that you can set in the Protect Workbook dialog box (Tools menu, Protection submenu, Protect Workbook command).

    Important  Use strong passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Weak passwords don't mix these elements. Strong password: Y6dh!et5. Weak password: House27. Use a strong password that you can remember so that you don't have to write it down.

    *****************

    Microsoft offers an online tutorial for securing your data in Excel workbooks.  Check this link for more info:

    http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC011234971033&ofcresset=1

    Steve



    Message Edited by BigBrother on 01-05-2008 04:40 PM
  • RoHe

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    Posted January 6th, 2008 00:00

    Another way to do it is when you're ready to save a file, click File>Save, then click Tools button at top of "Save" window. Choose General Options and set a password there to allow read only or read and modify.

    Make sure you remember what password you set! ;)

    Just noticed you said the file is already on a CD. Unless this is a R/W CD you won't be able to set a password. Files on CD-R are read-only and can't be changed. So you may need to copy the file back onto the hard drive, set a password and then burn it on a new CD. Destroy the old one or put it somewhere nobody can find.

    Ron

    Message Edited by RoHe on 01-05-2008 06:25 PM
  • cjl1961

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    Posted January 6th, 2008 02:00

    Thanks Ron,
     
    I have it written on a CD -RW. Thanks for your help
  • cjl1961

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    Posted January 6th, 2008 02:00

    Thakns Steve,
     
    Thats what I was looking for. Actually, instead of using a CD, I am using a DVD so I can store more data files. I am using a DVD +RW.
     
    Chuck
  • BigBrother

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    Posted January 6th, 2008 12:00

    cjl1961,
     
    You are welcome. 
     
    Steve