Here is one way...

I assume you are using some event code to prompt the users for the password
to unprotect the three columns (I used Worksheet_SelectionChange). If your
macro to stop permission #2 puts a value in a particular (out of the way)
cell, then your event code can check that cell and leave the sheet protected
when is sees a value in that cell. The following code accomplishes this; it
is in the code page for Sheet1 in my example.

Const Pwd = "aaa"

Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
Dim ret As Variant
If Len(ActiveSheet.Range("AA1").Value) 0 Then Exit Sub
If Intersect(Target, Columns("H:J")) Is Nothing Then
ActiveSheet.Protect Password:=Pwd
Else
ret = InputBox("Enter password")
If ret < Pwd Then Exit Sub
ActiveSheet.Unprotect Password:=ret
End If
End Sub

Sub FinalizeSht()
ActiveSheet.Unprotect Password:=Pwd
ActiveSheet.Range("AA1").Value = "X"
ActiveSheet.Protect Password:=Pwd
End Sub

In this example, the 3 columns are H:J, the password is "aaa", and the
designated cell is AA1. While AA1 is empty, users are prompted for the
password when they select any cell in columns H:J. After the FinalizeSht
macro is run (could be attached to a button), the Worksheet_SelectionChange
event quits without doing anything.
The designated cell could be on another sheet if desired, or it could be
hidden as well as locked.

Hope this helps,

Hutch

"James" wrote:

Hi,

I have a worksheet that needs to be protected from changes once the report
is run. The sheet has three levels of protection at the moment.
#1- The entire sheet is locked from changes, except 4 columns.
#2- Three columns were set with a password for a small group to edit
comments.
#3- One column is set with no password for anyone to edit.

Is there a way for a macro to delete permission #2? The idea being, once
the report is run, it is locked. Those with permission #2 can edit the
specified fields as needed, then they click a button which deletes sheet
protection #2 preventing any future changes. Only permission #3 remains
allowing anyone to edit one column in the entire sheet.

Thanks!