Forcing the File to Open with a Read-Only Prompt Using Save As Options.Forcing the File to Always Open with a Read-Only Prompt.Open Workbook as Read-Only Using File Open Dialog.Now we can jump on the “how” part of opening a file as Read-Only.

When you make any changes to the file, they will apply but when you try to save the file, you’ll have to save it as a copy because the original file can’t be overwritten in Read-Only mode. We’ve also covered two options for those who need to have the users of the file reminded that they need to access the file as Read-Only.īut basically, what happens in Read-Only Mode? Firstly, the file name at the top of the workbook gets a Read-Only tag: You will find few easy methods to do that including VBA. We have prepared this tutorial on how to open Excel in Read-Only mode.

But if it’s okay to make changes to the file as long as they’ll be restricted from being saved, you’re heading right for Read-Only.

Scary talk aside and solution-storming in, if you’re aiming for a complete restriction where cell values can’t be changed at all, you’re looking for sheet protection. Such changes have reported thousands of losses to companies. Or even accidentally hitting a key somewhere. Maybe it’s okay to make a few changes to see how things add up but imagine the chain effect of accidentally saving an experimental change to a very important document. As documents are passed around, upward or downward, perhaps one needs to think about restricting what the other users can do.

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