Two step process:
1) select the cells that you want to be available to users to enter data;
use Format|Cells, open Protection tab and uncheck the Locked box
2) Use Tools|Protection and protect the sheet. Since your aim is to prevent
accidents, do not bother with password or use one that will be very easily
recalled by you

If the cells in (1) are not in a contiguous range, click on one and hold
down the CTRL key while clicking on each of the rest. This lets you select
all the cell and speeds up the work

best wishes
--
Bernard V Liengme
www.stfx.ca/people/bliengme
remove caps from email

"mully" wrote in message
...

Hi

In Excel is it possible to hide or lock a formula e.g.
=IF(A2=Rate_30,A2,"")
so members of staff don't mess with it or delete it by accident - often
have to Sort the sheet during business hours - so have tried sheet
protection
and locking and
hiding this is a bit cumbersome is there anything easier and quicker.

Mully