Hi - I'm trying to create a link in a non-password protected workbook to
another workbook that is password protected. I don't want other people to be
able to see the linked information in the non-password protected workbook.
When I open the unprotected workbook, I have to enter the password to update
the link, but how would I keep the link from displaying anything at all for
unauthorized users? Is there a way to hide just the linked data while still
allowing people to change data in the other cells and worksheets? I'd
appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

I don't think so.

Newer versions of excel (xl2002+), may give you an error if excel can't
determine the value in the linked cell (unavailability of that workbook). But
there's a registry tweak that would show the last value--instead of the #ref!
error.

And I'd bet you can't control what the recipients have done with their pcs.

I think I'd do this.

Set up another workbook (it doesn't have to be protected) that is laid out the
same way as your real password protected workbook. Make sure the sheets share
the same names.

Then in that workbook, put what you want to see in the cell:

Unavailable
=""
None of your business
(whatever you want)

In every cell in each worksheet.

Now right before you release the real workbook, change your links to point at
that new workbook.

When you get the workbooks back, change the links back to the correct workbook.

Edit|Links|Change sources
is the dialog where you'd fiddle with the links.





dunnotar02 wrote:

Hi - I'm trying to create a link in a non-password protected workbook to
another workbook that is password protected. I don't want other people to be
able to see the linked information in the non-password protected workbook.
When I open the unprotected workbook, I have to enter the password to update
the link, but how would I keep the link from displaying anything at all for
unauthorized users? Is there a way to hide just the linked data while still
allowing people to change data in the other cells and worksheets? I'd
appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

--

Dave Peterson