LadyBlack
There are a few levels of protection in Excel and you may be using the wrong level
From what you've said You should try the following:
1. User Editable cells
Select all the cells that users are allowed to edit and select Format Cells, Unclick Locked and Hidden on the Protection Tab, generally have a colored background of the cells so thatt people are aware that they are input cells and hence editable.
2. User Viewable Cells (But allow to see formulas, without editing)
Select all the cells where users see the result but aren't allowed to edit the formulas
Select Format Cells, Select Locked and Unselect Hidden on the Protection Tab
3. User Viewable (But not see formulas)
Select all the cells where users can see results, but users aren't allowed to edit or see the formulas
Select Format Cells, Select Locked and Select Hidden on the Protection Tab
Now goto Tools, Protection, Protect Sheet (xl2003)
The above changes to Protect and Hidden cells are only applied when you apply this dialogue
Enable Protect worksheet and contents of Locked Cells
Type in a password
All the check boxes below allow you to select what a user can / cant do.
Enable or disable whatever level of protection you need
Definately allow users to select unlocked cells, if you want to allow them to edit data entry areas.
Click Ok and Save the worksheet
Users can now:
Open and edit only the cells you allowed them to in Step 1 above
They can see answers and formulas from step 2, but cant change formulas
They can see answers but not see the formulas from Step 3 above.
From what you've said I would NOT apply a Workbook password.
That stops people opening or allows open as read only, and yes, If your away they will neeed the password.
I Hope the above helps
Hui...