Require "Password" for Specific Cell Entry

[thesonofdarwin]

I'm not sure if this is possible, but I have a need to have a Signature column in a spreadsheet. I'd like to use data validation lists that contain a set initial "signature" for each user. When a user selects the signature, they'd be required to enter their own password to enter their initials into that cell. The passwords don't necessarily need to be encrypted as I realize this complicates matters infinitely, but I do require the ability to hide them from all users except whoever locks the worksheet.

Is this even doable?

[dominicb]

Good evening thesonofdarwin

Is this even doable?

Yes, but it's a bit of a faff.

First select all the cells that all users can access, and press Ctrl + 1 and go to the protection tab and make sure that both boxes are unticked. When you come to protect your sheet, these cells will still be editable.

Now select the cells to have the hidden information in. Press Ctrl + 1 and on the protection tab make sure that both boxes are ticked. Go to the Number tab and select Custom format, and in the box type ;;; (that's three semi-colons). Now click OK.

Now go to Tools > Protection > Protect Sheet and stick a password in.

Also, bear in mind that Excel's password protection is lousy and can be removed in the blink of an eye. I wouldn't use Excel to store my passwords (or any of my deep dark secrets that I wouldn't want anyone else to know - cue manic cackle ... )

DominicB

[thesonofdarwin]

Thanks, but I don't think my question was clear. Let me use an example. What I need is user-specific verification/validation when a particular cell has data entered. I need the cell to do the following:

When you click on it a list appears with initials of potential users (JWM, CSW, LMA, for example). When the user clicks on their initials I need excel to request a verification code/password before their initials are entered into that cell. There needs to be a separate verification code for each set of initials and that code needs to be hidden from everyone except the workbook creator.

I can think of a way to partially perform this task using VLOOKUP. Have an additional cell where the user types in their code and it returns their initials in the appropriate cell. Doing this, however, I can't think of any way to prevent other users from clicking that cell and discovering another user's verification code. Hiding it doesn't handle this.

[dominicb]

Hi thesonofdarwin

I can't think of any way to prevent other users from clicking that cell and discovering another user's verification code. Hiding it doesn't handle this.

What I gave you above, if implemented, will mean that a user will not see what that cell contains. If the cell is clicked on, the cell contents will not be visible in the formula bar. If the supervisor unprotects the sheet with a password, then the cell contents will be visible.

DominicB

[thesonofdarwin]

I understand how to hide cells and make their contents invisible with ;;;, but that's not what I'm looking for. I've attached an example.

Column A would be locked, but visible. I need Column B (aside from the header) to be unlocked but I need whatever value is entered into the cells to not be visible in any way because if other users can click on the cell to see someone else's code, it defeats the purpose.

It doesn't need to be done using this method if there's something better available, but unless I'm completely misunderstanding your method it doesn't handle what I'm looking for. The ;;; only hides the content if you can't click on the cell, but users need to be able to enter their code into the field so they have to be able to click on it.