I am assuming you are using Excel 2007...

Not sure whether password protection would be better but you can save the
spreadsheet in Excel 2007 format (.xlsx) by choosing SAVE AS option and then
choosing Exel (.xlsx) as the format.

"Rex1939" wrote:

I am told that as long as my Excel is in "compatability mode", the passwords
are very easily discoverable. How do I get rid of that "mode". Thanks.