"so I've locked cells and password
protected the settings under Tools/Protection/Protect Sheet and Protect
Workbook. "
Unlock the cells you want the user to enter data and protect the
worksheet only,
there will be no problem then for people to enter data in the cells
that need info and the positive side is that when a sheet is protected,
and you have unlocked the cells, when a user presses the tab key the
next unlocked cell becomes active.
Dave