Track changes in protected word document

Question

For word 2013, I have a document that I need to protect the signature block that can be edited but not deleted.  Initially did a protected document on that section but found out users could not do track changes.  Tried content control. Under properties, selected Content control properties cannot be deleted.  Apparently I am not doing something correct because I can delete it.

Anything else I can do to protect a signature block and still have users to track changes?

Answer 1

The only protection method that will allow Track Changes to work is the use of a content control. Even that, however, won't accomplish what you're asking.

From Word's point of view, there is no difference between "editing" a piece of text and "deleting" the same piece of text. Deletion is simple a particular kind of editing. The content control option "cannot be deleted" refers to the control itself, not to the control's contents.

If the "cannot be edited" option isn't selected, then the control's contents can be both changed and deleted. If the "cannot be edited" option is selected, then nothing in the control's contents can be changed at all.

At best, if someone completely deletes the control's contents (but not the control itself), then the placeholder text will reappear. You can change the default "Click here to enter text" to something more explicit by clicking the Design Mode button on the Developer tab.