CD protect excel worksheets

[ration.experts]

I have created a ration calculation program using a series of excel worksheets. Much of the necessary information that needs protecting in the worksheets has been protected. I want to sell the program on CD and have it run from CD only and I want to protect the CD so that working versions of the worksheets can not be saved or copied anywhere else. Users need to have free and unlimited access to all of the worksheets on the CD (don't want to password protect each worksheet). I don't need a really high level of security, just enough to discourage passing off the software to friends. I have tried free downloads of several CD protect software programs but none have worked as I want, and I really don't know what I'm looking for. Because I'm not very computer savy, I need a program that is easy to use. Does anyone have suggestions as to an easy to use, effective CD protect software that still allows excel to run properly? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Smitty]

Welcome to the Board!

A Google search for "cd software to prevent copying" turns up a lot of possibilities, but the problem isn't necessarily there, it's when Excel is opened with your file. There's nothing you can do at that point to keep someone from saving your wb locally. Unfortunately, Excel is not a secure application, nor has it even been marketed as one.

Do a search for "Excel Compiler", which will take an Excel workbook and turn it into a stand-alone .exe.

HTH,

 

[philrv]

Does anybody use the doneX compiler? I am marketing spreadsheets and I am thinking of securing them with the DoneX compiler. I am wondering if it is really secure before I purchase it?

 

[philrv]

Maybe I stepped over the line here. What I really want to know is if a xl worksheet compiled into a stand-alone EXE file is really secure.

 

[exuser96]

Excel Compiler

Compilers like DoneEx or LockXLS works fine to protect formulas and vba, but data from workbook even with locked cells may be easily copied by program (vba script, add-in or COM Add-In).
Is anyone aware of any Compiler which prevent data from being copied?

 

[philrv]

Thanx 96. I now use vba for protection. I retrieve harddrive serialnumber of clients machine,hsrdcode it into workbook open event. If hdserial number of machine doesn't match spreadsheets hardcoded number,workbook won't even open. Click!