Try this:
Select the range from A1 thru the last cell most likely to be changed.

DataValidation
Allow: Custom
Formula: =ISBLANK(A1)

Select the Error Alert tab
Style: Warning
Title: REMINDER
Error Message: This workbook is read only
Click [OK]

That way....every time they try to change a cell, they are warned that the
wkbk is read-only.

Does that help?

***********
Regards,
Ron

XL2002, WinXP-Pro


"nathan" wrote:

It's a long story but "protection" can't be used.

"Bart Snel" wrote:

nathan schreef:
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to create some sort of obvious
indicator/reminder (other than on the Excel window header) that states that a
workbook is currently in "read-only" mode? The idea is to prevent someone
from forgetting that the file is "read-only", making a bunch of changes to
it, only to later realize that their work can't be saved (without doing a
"save as" a different file name). i.e. a message window that appears when
typing?? watermark?? etc etc??

Thanks.
I's suggest to protect the worksheet. In that case users cannot edit
without unprotecting.

Bart Snel