totn Excel 2003 Basics

MS Excel 2003: Protect a cell

This Excel tutorial explains how to protect a cell in Excel 2003 and older versions (with screenshots and step-by-step instructions).

Question: How do I protect a cell from being edited by others in Microsoft Excel 2003/XP/2000/97?

Answer: First, you'll need to un-protect all of the cells on your sheet. To do this, select all of the rows and columns in your sheet. Right-click on then select "Format Cells" from the popup menu.

Microsoft Excel

When the Format Cells window appears, select the Protection tab. Uncheck the "Locked" checkbox. Click on the OK button.

Microsoft Excel

Next, select the cell(s) that you wish to protect. Right-click and then select "Format Cells" from the popup menu.

Microsoft Excel

When the Format Cells window appears, select the Protection tab. Check the "Locked" checkbox. Click the OK button.

Microsoft Excel

For the locking of the cells to take effect, you must also protect the worksheet. To do this, select Protection and then "Protect Sheet" under the Tools menu.

Microsoft Excel

A "Protect Sheet" window will appear. You may enter a password to protect the sheet if you wish. The password is optional. Click on the OK button.

Microsoft Excel