[Hedges]

I have a fairly large Excel file full of critical information i would like other users / workers to view. However I want them to be able to only view it without making changes , without editing and most of all without being able to copy the file away. Is there a way to disable all this and still share the file out safely on a server or something?

[Red Bread]

PDF.

[Hedges]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

PDF.

How would i avoid it from being copied around if i change it to PDF? The excel sheet is fairly big with alot of Work Sheets inside the excel data.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Hedges

How would i avoid it from being copied around if i change it to PDF? The excel sheet is fairly big with alot of Work Sheets inside the excel data.

You won't really be able to lock it down 100%, people can still a screen cap, etc. But a PDF keeps you from being able to copy individual cells and ranges. For multiple tabs, you'd need to attach multiple PDF's. You can print directly to PDF if needed.

[MrRoboto]

IF they can view it they can copy it to some degree. You could always export the file or take a screen shot and save it as .jpg. They wouldn't be able to copy/paste the text but also removes the ability to search the file.

[ScreaM]

You can password protect it..they wont be able to copy or modify it..only view

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...010078580.aspx

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by ScreaM

You can password protect it..they wont be able to copy or modify it..only view

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...010078580.aspx

Again, not really fool proof. A ctrl+prnt screen still works. If you don't want people to share, it's best to send a watermarked hard copy with a unique number as the watermark.

[Hedges]

Is there a way to lock it down so they cannot even copy a file away onto their own USB or something on top of not able to copy paste cells / change cells?

Like having the excel file on a server, users can just double click to open but make it impossible to move a file , copy paste , change the cells in excel? They can screen capture it which is fine i dont mind that, just as long as the file stays where it is on the server and can only be viewed.

[b0bab0i]

Originally Posted by Hedges

Is there a way to lock it down so they cannot even copy a file away onto their own USB or something on top of not able to copy paste cells / change cells?

Like having the excel file on a server, users can just double click to open but make it impossible to move a file , copy paste , change the cells in excel? They can screen capture it which is fine i dont mind that, just as long as the file stays where it is on the server and can only be viewed.

No

[Foxrus14]

Get them all in a room and present it... Then no one even has a copy.... That's the only lock down method.

[bimmerfrk]

Sorr this is not possible. People can just take a pic with a camera phone. Rethink your approach.....

Why not had out printed media and the recollec it......

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Hedges

Is there a way to lock it down so they cannot even copy a file away onto their own USB or something on top of not able to copy paste cells / change cells?

Like having the excel file on a server, users can just double click to open but make it impossible to move a file , copy paste , change the cells in excel? They can screen capture it which is fine i dont mind that, just as long as the file stays where it is on the server and can only be viewed.

If it is going to be on network just password protect the file from anything and then set the network settings for that file so that nobody can copy it.


***Alternative solution****
What I would do if I was so paranoid is I would password protect all numbers and sheets so they could not be messed with in the file and I would put a macro in that checks the file path upon opening and if it is not the location that you put it (hardcoded in the macro) then erase all contents.

Really easy macro to write if you need help.

edit: If you do that make sure that you keep your master copy without that macro enabled. A simple connection error could possible make it not realize the filepath correctly.