Macro Settings

[JonathanB2]

Hello,

This may be a stupid question. My apologies in advance.

I created a macro that runs perfectly on my computer. I sent it out and it's not running/working on anyone elses. So I looked at their settings. My macro settings are shown as "disable all macros without notification" (which is strange since the macros work). The others are set at "disable all macros with notification."

My question is....what should it be set at if I want everyone to be able to run the macros? Some of the macros run automatically when they open the file and I don't want them to have to do anything (like enable them by cilcking on the button at the top of the screen). I would choose enable all macros, but it says in parens "not recommened; potentially dangerous" etc. etc.

I appreciate the help, and again, I'm sorry if this is a dumb questions.

J

[MarvinP]

Hi J,

Read http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/of...001140307.aspx

Then think about Event Macros and how they could easily spread viruses. If I sent you an Excel file that had VBA in it to delete all the files in your current drive, and put this on an On Open Event, should it run without ever asking you if it should?

Then read about past viruses that have affected Microsoft products at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/224567

You/we really don't want macros to run without knowing they are running.

I hope these two articles help.

[codeslizer]

Its not a stupid or dumb question, we all start with something. But you could find these answers by just performing a search via google. As for your queries - If you're gonna be using the file at your workplace, I recommend you to set the macro settings to "Enable all macros" as you'll be using it within your office network, it should be fine until the network gets corrupted.. :p I also check "Trust access to the VBA..." too.. to allow me to pay visit to object model behind the sheets, that's VBE.

Make sure to set the ActiveX Settings to "Enable all controls without restrictions and without prompting". Also check the option just below it for "Safe Mode".

Edit: And I agree to Marvin for EnableEvents setting.

[JonathanB2]

Thank you both - you gave me a lot to think about. The problem is, unfortuantely, that if given the option many may (and probably will) opt not to run the macro....which isn't what I want. One macro (which someone here helped me with) generates an alert (sent to me) when they open the workbook. If they disable this, they can then view the workbook without the alert being sent. What's the point?

Also, the alert macro runs automaically on my computer when I open the file and my settings are "disable all macros without notification."

I'll read up. Again, I appreciate the input. Thanks all.

[Miraun]

Hi Jon;

I think I speak for all Excel users when I say that I've run into the same types of things at the company that I work for. Macros are basically akin to magic for people. I mean, they're essentially turning excel into much more of an open-ish source program. This terrifying magic scares the peasants, and they condemn it as witchcraft and heresy! This is because the legends of old foretold of a powerful wizard that used such power for pure evil. Disease and plagues spread throughout the world the last time this wizard was around, and those wounds still run deep in the survivors.

But yeah, in all seriousness, any company is going to be skittish around macros. I know I've created a worksheet in the past that once opened, simply shuts your computer off... because I could. As a result, it's best to avoid macros when able, and/or to create an environment where the macros aren't necessary for core job functions on the wide scale, they're nice to have for a few key trusted individuals, that perhaps know excel better than the other users (those that actually know how to enable macros!).

Personally, when I write macros nowadays, I don't distribute them. It's too much of a learning curve for other people, too much maintenance if something small changes with the data feeds or something... I just keep them in my back pocket to appear amazingly efficient when people have an ask of me.

Pretty much all of this was covered by Marvin's links... I just wanted an excuse to tell a story to compare Excel to witchcraft.

[JonathanB2]

Hi Jon;

I think I speak for all Excel users when I say that I've run into the same types of things at the company that I work for. Macros are basically akin to magic for people. I mean, they're essentially turning excel into much more of an open-ish source program. This terrifying magic scares the peasants, and they condemn it as witchcraft and heresy! This is because the legends of old foretold of a powerful wizard that used such power for pure evil. Disease and plagues spread throughout the world the last time this wizard was around, and those wounds still run deep in the survivors.

But yeah, in all seriousness, any company is going to be skittish around macros. I know I've created a worksheet in the past that once opened, simply shuts your computer off... because I could. As a result, it's best to avoid macros when able, and/or to create an environment where the macros aren't necessary for core job functions on the wide scale, they're nice to have for a few key trusted individuals, that perhaps know excel better than the other users (those that actually know how to enable macros!).

Personally, when I write macros nowadays, I don't distribute them. It's too much of a learning curve for other people, too much maintenance if something small changes with the data feeds or something... I just keep them in my back pocket to appear amazingly efficient when people have an ask of me.

Pretty much all of this was covered by Marvin's links... I just wanted an excuse to tell a story to compare Excel to witchcraft.

Too funny. Thanks for the reply. I agree with everything you said. Very cool about the macro to shut down the computer too. I think I'm going to try that :p

Have a good day all. I'll mark this as solved.

J