how to make cells read only??

**chrismcclain077** · 08-20-2007, 11:59 AM

Does anyone know how to protect cells from being altered? there are cells that calculate totals and never need to have data entered by users. I'd like these cells to contain formulas and display the calculations, but if by accident a user clicks on one of these cells, they cannot change the contents.

Anyone know how to do this?? I tried making the cells "protected" but it did not seem to do anything.

HELP!

-chris

**NBVC** · 08-20-2007, 12:11 PM

After you've locked the cells through Format|Cells >> Protection tab, then you have to Protect the sheet by going to Tools|Protection|Protect Sheet....you can apply a password if desired.

**jujuwillis** · 08-21-2007, 08:05 AM

By default all excel cells are locked but this does not work until you protect the sheet. So if you require your users to enter information you will have to have those cell unlocked.

The quickest way of doing this would be to select the area - say the whole of the sheet area that contains your "form". Select the Format Menu, Cells, Protection tab and uncheck the Locked checkbox.

Then, select the cells you do not wish to be altered, choose Format Menu, Cells, Protection tab and chek the Locked checkbox to protect the cell.

On the Tools menu, choose Protection, Protect Sheet

**SMChristoff** · 01-02-2013, 05:45 PM

The Easiest to lock all but a few cells is:
1. Review > Allow Users to Edit Ranges > New > Select the ranges you want to be able to edit after its protected > Okay.
2. Go back to the ribbon under Review > Protect Sheet or Workbook (apply password if you wish)

To Edit all Cells click the same radio button as Protect Sheet or Workbook in the Review ribbon but this time it will say "Unprotect".

High Five