If you already have the outline 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

OkieViking wrote:

I have a worksheet with 3 big tables on it that looks good in Outline view
(Showing only the 3 total rows). The sheet is full of equations that needs
to be protected. If I protect the sheet, the user will not be able to
expand/collapse the Outline view. Is there a way to protect the sheet AND
allow the user to collapse/expand the Group and Outline view?

--

Dave Peterson