Hi all,

Windows XP, Excel XP and Excel 2003.

I have created an educational workbook. Over 200 sheets, each with a
specific topic and worked example with answers. Its taken a long time
and its a good product, and I have a second one with more advanced
features in the pipeline. The object of all this work is to sell it
online.

I have made the workbook as 'low-tech' as possible, giving the user
full access to all features of Excel, without disabling any menu or
toolbar features. The user should feel as if they are using a standard
workbook, with all commands available, rather than a restricted
enviroment.

What I do not want is for the user to be able to dupicate the workbook
and share it with other users. Obviously they could use Save or Save
As, but I have prevented this using VBA. What I cannot do is prevent
them copying the workbook using Windows Explorer.

What I need is some method of ensuring that only one copy is usable on
the PC. I have looked around for some type of copy protection utility,
and there are many that will work with normal executable programs, but
not much for Excel workbooks. I have found one utility that will copy
protect a workbook, allowing time resticted use, or a limited number of
uses. This utility appears to be suitable, but I have not been able to
make it work yet!

As the worbook contains VBA I would also like to make this invisible to
the user, without them being prompted with the box about
'Enable/Disable VBA'. I think I need a Digital Signature for this, such
as Thwarte.

At the momemt my ideas path has three items in it:

1. Digitally sign the code.
2. Copy protect the workbook.
3. Place on the web somewhere such as www.download.com where it can be
purchased online, using the e-commerce features of www.download.com

I know exactly what I am doing as far as the educational content is
concerned, (I've been teaching functions for 20 years), but the
packaging, distribution and payment requirments are well beyond my
experience, and I'm and old dog not having the time to learn new
tricks!

Does anyone have and suggestions about how I should proceed?

All suggestions would be welcome, but I must stress that I am not
looking for answers that involve Excels own Workook/Worksheet Protect.

Thanks,

Peter Noneley
Cardiff (Wet, but warm tonight)
Wales
UK