Excel 2016 cannot save a protected document

Question

When creating a new Excel file and protecting the document via File / Info / Protect Workbook / Encrypt with Passwordand then attempting to save the new spreadsheet, get an error message as follows:

It seems the default behaviour of Office is to set default crypto settings in the registry for each application in the Office Suite.  For excel, the crypto hive Computer\HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\excel\security\crypto has the following settings:

This is blocking saving the new file.  However if I remove these entries I'm able to save the encrypted file.  Previously encrypted files can be opened.

We do use the Office 2016 ADMX file, however none of the appropriate settings are applied.  What could be preventing the encryption of these files?

G

Answer 1

Seems that our GPO was enabled to use the default settings.  When I reset to not configured, all is good.

Answer 2

Thank you for getting back to us with the updated status on your concern.

We are glad to know that you can now save a protected Excel file. We appreciate the time and effort spent in resolving the above issue.

If there's anything else that we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reply here and we will further assist you.

Answer 3

Hi Salmageo,

There are several factors why you cannot save a protected Excel file such as a workbook have restricted permission. Before we proceed, we would like to know the following information:

• Does the issue also occurred to other Excel files?
• Where are you trying to save the Excel file?
• Does the file is only shared to you via email?

In the meantime, you can try to check this link and follow the workarounds that best apply on your concern.

We are looking forward to your response.