PDA

View Full Version : Protecting Spreadsheet From Sharing/Copying



xXLdev
07-26-2006, 09:44 AM
Here is what I am trying to do:
-- I have a 35 sheet, 10 Meg spreadsheet
-- It contains some cells that the user can change. The rest are protected.
-- Changing the values goes through a lot of calculations that eventually shows new values to the user
-- I do not want users to be able to copy the formulas.
-- I do not want users to be able to share the spreadsheet with others
-- Usng Excel 2000
-- The solution can either be web based or by sending spreadsheet.

Here is what I have looked at to try and solve this problem
Worksheet/VBA protection/passwords
-- Problem: easy to crack and does not stop users from sharing spreadsheet.

Office Web Components
-- Problem: Cannot prevent saving and copying of data. I think this can be done using BeforeContextMenu in Office 2003 but I need it to work with 2000.
-- I am not sure if it will work with a 10Meg file

DoneEx XCell Compiler
I found this on the web: http://www.doneex.com/?p=0&m=0
This seems to do all I want and the price is reasonable. It works great on a small spreadsheet. The problem is that it crashes on my 10Meg spreadsheet. I have sent support email. No response yet.
Has anyone used this?

Any other ideas or something I missed on the above ideas?

Thanks,
Cesar

fanpages
07-27-2006, 03:33 AM
Hi,

[ http://TurboExcel.com ] may be an alternate option for you.

However, your point "I do not want users to be able to share the spreadsheet with others" may prove a difficult requirement programmatically. For example, e-mailing to another individual is a task that cannot be stopped unless you have stringent business controls within your organisation with fear of employment loss if these rules are broken.

BFN,

fp.

fanpages
07-27-2006, 03:34 AM
And, of course, there's [ http://spreadsheets.google.com/ ].