unlock textbox for typing

**Isabel Lopatin** · 01-31-2013, 11:33 AM

I am working in Excel 2007. The worksheet is protected, with data entry cells unlocked. There is one textbox in the worksheet for entry of notes. I cannot figure out how to keep it unlocked when the sheet is protected.

With thanks in advance for your help,
Isabel

**alansidman** · 01-31-2013, 12:05 PM

You will need to unlock the entire spreadsheet. Click on the cell. Go to format and protection. Uncheck the box that indicates protection. Then reprotect the spreadsheet and save it.

**Isabel Lopatin** · 01-31-2013, 12:26 PM

Alan, thanks for responding. My cells are fine. The problem is with a texbox, which I believe floats above cells. Can unprotecting a cell unprotect a textbox? I have already tried this, didn't think it worked.

**alansidman** · 01-31-2013, 12:33 PM

Got it. I think the issue is in the properties for the text box. Open the properties for the text box. click on the text box and then click on the properties icon. Look down for the line that says enabled. Is yours true or false. I think it should be true if you want to use it. Another thing to check is to right click on the text box. Select Format Control. There is a property there to show it as locked. You may want to uncheck it also.