These would work in a pinch, but do involve changing the settings on what
might be someone else's file (and also involved planning ahead.....). I was
really looking for a way to just be able to open any given file in read-only
on an ad hoc basis.

"John C" wrote:

Tools|Options, Security tab
Here, you can set password to open it. You can also set a password to modify
it (which will allow the user to open the file, and it will pop up a password
box to modify, they can just select read only and still open, but not be able
to modify). Check the selections, and I am sure you can figure it out.

Note: Excel security is really not that secure though.
--
John C


"Barb W" wrote:

Is there a way to open a file in read-only mode even if the file is not open
by another user? I sometimes want a file open for reference, but don't want
to prevent other people from opening and editing.