prevetn copying or renaming files

[orthex]

I am able to disable to "Save as" function, however is there a way to prevent a user from either copying a file or re-naming a file?

 

[Joe4]

Not that I know of. And Google searches seem to confirm that as well. Even if you were to be able to do something in Excel, those changes can easily be made through Windows Explorer.

Here are a few thinks that talk about it. You can find others through a Google search:
http://www.dbforums.com/microsoft-excel/1002003-protect-my-excel-file-beeing-copied.html
http://www.excelbanter.com/showthread.php?t=66738

What exactly is your reason for wanting to do this? If we know what you really after and/or why, we may be able to offer other suggestions.

 

[orthex]

I want to sell the excel file online and prevent user's from renaming file or saving as another name to use it over and over again.

 

[Joe4]

You mean like a "single-use" file?
What's to keep them from deleting all the data and starting over?
What's special about the file that you want to protect?
Does it contain VBA code?

 

[orthex]

yes VBA code is written in file. The people who purchase this file would want to keep their data on it. Example: An attorney who purchases the file for a client would want to keep a file for each client to use.

 

[Joe4]

FWIW, I am certainly no export in creating Excel templates to sell, but I think you may have a real tough time trying to sell a spreadsheet that they can only use once and have to pay for each copy of the file they use, let alone trying to enforce something like that (which I am not even sure is possible).

Also be aware that Excel is not the most secure program, so you can only protect your code/sheet so much. You may want to investigate creating the code in an Add-In too. Have a look here: http://discuss.fogcreek.com/joelonsoftware2/default.asp?cmd=show&ixPost=66625&ixReplies=6

I am moving this to the Excel Discussion Forum to see if others who have more experience in this realm may want to weigh in on this.

 

[Smitty]

Welcome to the Board!

I want to sell the excel file online and prevent user's from renaming file or saving as another name to use it over and over again.

Unfortunately, that won't stop anyone.

Do a Google/Bing search for "Excel Compiler". A compiler allows you to create a stand-alone Excel application. If it's possible, you can also create a COM add-in, but you'd need to see if it would fit your project.

Given Joe's comments, you can try to use a EULA, but they're only going to keep honest users honest. A determined user will be able to circumvent just about anything you do in Excel either natively or with VBA.

A side note is that some people will attempt to put in a time-bomb that will delete a workbook/data if it hasn't met certain requirements (like a purchase key), but be aware that if you delete an end-users data you can be liable for it. Because of that I generally recommend against that kind of option.

HTH,

EDIT: you could try to get a hold of the folks at www.spreadsheetstore.com and see what they do to package/sell their stuff.

HTH,