preventing data in hidden columns from being deleted

[madbloke]

A bit of a long shot, here - I'm not even sure if what I want to do is possible.

If I've got a sheet which has (for example) 10 columns of data, but 3 of these columns are hidden, is there a way to stop the data in the 3 hidden columns from being deleted if the user selects a row and hits delete?

[martindwilson]

one way is to select the whole sheet then
format cells/protection
then un check the locked option

then select the columns you want to hide
then format/cells/protection and put the tick back in locked for those columns
hide columns
protect worksheet

users will be able to clear contents in unhidden cells in a row but not the entire row

[madbloke]

one way is to select the whole sheet then
format cells/protection
then un check the locked option

then select the columns you want to hide
then format/cells/protection and put the tick back in locked for those columns
hide columns
protect worksheet

users will be able to clear contents in unhidden cells in a row but not the entire row

Just tried that, and once I protect the sheet, it won't let me select any columns!

Not sure if this'll work anyway, as I'm moving stuff into the sheet (and hiding the columns) via code.

thanks for the attempt, though.

[martindwilson]

well it works for me, are you sure you're protecting sheet not work book?
see attached ,column b is hidden
of course you'd have to unprotect to input stuff yourself
but i can certainly select any column except b
but cant edit rows only stuff not hidden

[madbloke]

well it works for me, are you sure you're protecting sheet not work book?
see attached ,column b is hidden
of course you'd have to unprotect to input stuff yourself
but i can certainly select any column except b
but cant edit rows only stuff not hidden

I must be doing it wrong somehow - still won't work for me. Can I ask a favour? Could you do it again, with macro recorder on, and stick the code in here?

[martindwilson]

i didnt use code
http://digitalvault.bt.com/invite/lo...2&r=mg&lang=en
double click video to view