hi, (...) ???

AFAIK, PT stores data in it's "own" (pivot.)Cache so,
you can "delete" the source data and still (half)"manipulate" your PT

what you WON'T be able to do, is update/refresh your PT(.Cache)
for any changes in the (non-existent/deleted/...) "source-data" ;)

also, if there are (any) data you don't want to be "stored" in the (PT.)Cache
leave "the data" OUT of the "source (range ?)"
- (re)arranging/moving columns, shrinking the range, etc.

if any doubts (or further information)... would you please comment ?
hth,
hector.

__ origina post __
I have software that creates a data dump of a bunch of information
pivot tables work great for helping us sort information.
Our customer has seen and now requested similar reports.
The pop down feature makes it nice to isolate a particular group or all of them.

I have deleted the "source" file and password protected the worksheet with a password.
And it is locked. However, if you click the wizard again, and choose the layout
you can repopulate the pivot table with the data we don't want them to get at.

The only way I have been able to comply it to copy the sheet and paste it back as a dead spreadsheet.

There has to be something I am missing with a setting to protect my data, but still offer reports that they can use for sorting.

If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.