Restrict File Opening: Enable ONLY one user

[OHDookie]

Hi. Is there a way to have an Excel file opened/used ONLY by one person; preventing it from being opened by any other user?

I want to have a sports club where members are sent an Excel file set-up to track their favorite team(s). Over the season, they can track the team's progress: scores and outcomes.

The objective is NO sharing of the file; that is, no one else can open it and use the file. In other words, it is exclusive to just one user - the person the file is sent.

Unfortunately, I am not that familiar with setting up passwords and don't know if that is applicable in this situation. I would NOT want to have to manage tracking passwords for respective members.

A representative spreadsheet is attached. This 10 second video shows data entry and how it works in the table and graph.

https://www.screencast.com/t/x0rkdwniNv

Thank you for your help/suggestions!

Dave T.

 

[Eloise T]

You can make it difficult, but I do not believe you can make "fool proof" protection. Excel just doesn't have that much security.

I'm sure others here on the forum will chime in, but unless it's possible to "compile" the spreadsheet with an .exe application ... if one exists ... ... if it will even work ... for just such a need as yours?

There may be something stronger in Excel 2016, but if there is, I am unaware.

Just another thought, if it's possible, keep each person's file on a remote server where they have access to their own copy, but have no ability to share?

 

[David Evans]

The general answer to your question is yes it is possible to password-protect a worksheet, however, it's also pretty easy to find a method of unlocking such a worksheet - try googling and you will see the myriad different ways to do so.

If the need to secure it is so great, then individuals will be more resourceful in finding ways to unlock it. I suspect there might me $$$ involved which skews many folks' integrity

 

[OHDookie]

Thank you, Eloise and David, for your prompt responses!

Per your suggestion, David, earlier I did some Google searches and found this posting.

https://www.mrexcel.com/forum/excel-questions/732670-how-allow-user-open-spreadsheet-only-once.html

As I understood this post, however, there would have to be a list of "authorized users" within the server. Once the sent file was opened, then there would be a security "checking and handshake" enabling the file to be opened.

This seems to be an idea in alignment, Eloise, with your suggestion.

I did download the offered file within this link. Once opened, however, I could not figure out how to see the code ─ if there was any code and/or VBA.

At the end of that other, linked forum discussion, there was no evidence that this actually worked - limiting Excel file access from being shared.

Although a long-time Excel user, I am pretty much a novice in coding and use macros on a limited basis. With a LOT of people within this forum being experts and ninjas, I really appreciate tapping into your knowledge!

(I am using Excel 2016 and have not found suggestions to this issue...unless I am missing something.)

Again, thank you for your help and suggestions!

 

[Chihiro]

No, there really isn't way of doing this.

Took me 1 min to search for ways to break VBE password protection. And break the sample posted in link.

While Excel 2010 and later has strong workbook security. Once inside workbook, Excel really has no security at all.

It would be far easier to set up on-line form, and have it tied to their email account I'd assume not many people are willing to share their email password.

 

[OHDookie]

Thank you, Chihiro, for getting back as well as checking out the other forum's link - and seems like you easily breeched its intend security.

I am a business person and not a programmer/technical expert. It does seem, however, my request would seem pretty universal and that many people would want/need this type of heightened security I am seeking. Most likely, this is much, much more difficult than one, like myself, can imagine.

Hopefully, someone might have a way to help - perhaps all of us - with a solution.

Again, thank you for your help, Eloise, David, and Chihiro. I will be checking back here over this weekend for any updates.

Thanks!