If you already have the outline/subtotals/autofilter 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
'.EnableAutoFilter = True
End With
End Sub

It needs to be reset each time you open the workbook. (Earlier versions of
excel don't remember it after closing the workbook. IIRC, xl2002+ will remember
the allow autofilter setting under tools|Protection|protect sheet.)

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

cardan wrote:

Hello all,

Is there a way to protect a worksheet but still allow for grouping and
ungrouping of of columns and/or rows. I already have the rows and
columns grouped, I just need to be able to expand and collapse them
while the sheet is protected. Any advice or help would be most
welcomed! Thank you.

--

Dave Peterson