I don't see an easy solution to this. A macro can perform the actions, but
if macros are disabled (as you state your problem is), then that wouldn't be
a workable approach. Without macros, saving is saving - there is no
alteration of the worksheet included.

As easy as it is to save a copy of the workbook or worksheets, it seems the
recalcitrant employees could easily make a copy of old forms and save them
as separate files under their own control.

I think a possible solution is to not use the form for the employees, but
have them put there information into a database and then generate the forms
with a macro using the information in the database. In that way, the
information can be validated and if it is inconsistent or incomplete, it
could be flagged and returned to the employee for rework.

The interface to the database could be a worksheet or a Userform. Also, it
may be appropriate to prime a new form with some of the old information -
this could be controlled through your interface.

--
Regards,
Tom Ogilvy

"PKyle" wrote in message
...
I have a worksheet designed as a paper form for the uesr to fill in with
information to print out and also save as a serialized record. An 8.5 by
11
"form" that has various locked cells and unlocked cells for data entry.
In
several worksheet cells, I have used VBA and macros to perform operations
such as to replace the date with the date at time of saving the file. As
indicated previously, the users of this spreadsheet have disabled macros
to:
1: disable the date/time stamp
2: bring up old previously filled out spreadsheets to slightly modify
them, but in the process, missing key information fields (worksheet cells)
that should be updated with relevant information.
The wake of chaos that is created

I'd normally go back to a xeroxed copy of a paper form, except that some
of
these individuals have such illegible handwriting, that neither option
appears attractive at present.

I wish to end the practices of back dating the spreadsheet and doing a
half-baked job of modifying a previously filled out excel worksheet and
all
the mistakes (by not starting with a blank template excel worksheet).

Hope this clarifies your question.

I guess hiding a form and revealing it whem macros are enabled is a
possibility- however- having a template such that can unprotect certain
cells, yet lock them up when the user goes to save the document appears a
bit tricker at present.
Thanks
Paul

"Tom Ogilvy" wrote in message
...
Define what you mean by Form.

Do you mean a userform

Do you mean Data=Form from the menus

Do you mean a dialog sheet

do you mean a userform

or do you mean you have designed a worksheet to look like a paper form.

--
Regards,
Tom Ogilvy

"PKyle" wrote in message
...
I have a form in excel with several worksheets that can vary. I have
used
a
macro to update the date field when saving the file, so co-workers
cannot
"back-date" the date field. However, they have learned to disable
macros
when loading the spreadsheet. They also tend to recycle the forms
(load
a
previously filled out form to modify just a few fields, however, one
coworker typically does not do a thorough job and makes lots of
mistakes
which are quite costly to the organization.

If I could convert it to Access, I would, but this form requires a lot
of
customization in attachments- which Access cannot accomodate.

I am wondering a few things as I have two problems to overcome:

1: I want to disable use of form if user chooses to disable macros-
one
or
two key fields are deactivated or protected if macros are disabled.
2: once the form is saved, I would like to lock a couple of key
fields
which essentially inactivates the form from being recycled and used
again-
the user has to go back to an empty template- to ensure the form is
filled
out correctly.


For a spreadsheet template:
Can I lock certain cells in the initial template form- so that the
first
time the template is opened , the fields can be unlocked by a macro
so
the
user can fill them in, but as soon as the file is saved as a
worksheet,
these fields cannot be modified again- (ie serial number or case
number)
thereby forcing the user to consistently go to the template for a new
instance of the form???

(and in using the template- if they bypass macros- these fields
stay
locked- so they cannot defeat the macro features such as actual
date/time
stamping and recycling old forms with new information??)

If this is possible- can someone help with the code and means by which
I
can
accomplish this? I appreciate this!
Thanks
Paul