I used xl2003 for my testing.

I created a worksheet that had locked and unlocked cells. I protected the
worksheet using the options you specified.

Then I added another worksheet and added some text in locked cells (the
worksheet was unprotected).

And I copied (ctrl-c) from one of those cells and pasted to an unlocked cell on
that protected worksheet.

The pasted cell was still unlocked.

So I couldn't duplicate the problem you describe.

But ...

If the users are clearing the cells (Edit|clear|all), then they could be
resetting the protection to the workbook's default--specified in the Normal
Style.

If that's possible, then you may want to change the Normal Style so that the
default is not locked.

Format|style|Normal (style name)|modify button|protection tab

(this is a workbook setting.)

Jimbob wrote:

Dear All

I have a sheet which has selected cells protected to ensure users enter
their alphanumerical data in the required cells. If a user types data into
the cells they can correct their entry but if they paste directly into the
cell (Ctrl + V), the cell formatting is altered and the cell becomes
protected. Q.1 - Why should this be?

I have advised users to use the formula bar (F2) if they want to paste data
but I'm sure some will persist with their previous method. Q.2 - how can I
overcome what appears to be an unwanted bonus feature?

BTW, the protection I'm using is select unlocked cells, format cells, insert
rows and insert hyperlinks.

--

Dave Peterson