read-only access to database

Question

We have an Excel workbook for which we want to give outside users access to for the purposes of reviewing, sorting, etc. but only on a read-only basis. None of the changes will actually be saved to the table but only while the users is accessing the data will they see the sorts they have chosen.

Answer 1

Hi Ray. I am an Excel user like you.

You can password protect the workbook so that it cannot be opened for editing, but you can open it in Read-only mode if you don't have or don't use the password.

A couple on notes:

1. A read-only workbook can still be edited and saved under a new name.
2. If you lose the password, the file cannot be opened for editing without it.

Click File>Save As, then double click on "This PC" to bring up the Windows Save As window. At the bottom right of the window click on Tools>General Options.

In the Password to modify line enter your password, click Ok and again enter the password in the confirm password box. Click OK and Save.

Anyone who has access to the file will be able to open it but will not be able to save changes back to the original file without using the password when it is opened.

Reply if you have additional questions or information. Please mark this reply as answered if this solves your question.

Rich~M