If you already have the subtotals applied, you can protect the worksheet in code
(auto_open/workbook_open??).

Option Explicit
Sub auto_open()
With Worksheets("sheet1")
.Protect Password:="hi", userinterfaceonly:=True
.EnableOutlining = True
End With
End Sub

It needs to be reset each time you open the workbook. (excel doesn't remember
it after closing the workbook.)

If you're new to macros, you may want to read David McRitchie's intro at:
http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/getstarted.htm

Chester1 wrote:

This may seem like a silly question, but is there anyway that you can use
the sutotal demote and promote icon to expand and close the groups on a
protected worksheet.
--
Regards Clair

--

Dave Peterson