EXCEL: Allowing multiple user updates onto Server copy

[5656]

I'd like to place a copy of an Excel workbook onto a server and give everybody the ability to update it.
What would be the best approach...simply create a shortcut to the original copy placed on server ?
Is there a better more secure approach ? Perhaps that does not involve using a simple shorcut to the server...is there a method using Macros ?
Thank you for any suggestions.

 

[Hasit]

A shortcut to the workbook would be fine. I would just make sure I make a copy (backup) of the workbook on a daily basis if it is going to be updated by several people in a day, everyday!

 

[5656]

Thanks Hasit...on my other post also.
Another question for you...what's the best way of password protecting the workbook so only individuals I want can access the workbook ?
Also, is there away to lock "formulas" so users entering data cannot accidentally delete or change them ? (guess that's 2 questions..)
As always any help would be great...

 

[Hasit]

Glad to help.

To protect the sheet: TOOLS -> PROTECTION and then choose whether you want to protect the worksheet, workbook or protect and share workbook. The last option is probably best BUT, it does track changes, which may not be what you want. Send the password to whom ever you wish to allow write access.

On the second question (which applies to the first one as well), if you format a cell to be LOCKED, it will only work if the worksheet/book is protected.

My suggestion is to format all the cells you wish to allow people to change (or add to) unprotected (FORMAT -> CELLS and then under the PROTECTION tab, uncheck the PROTECTION check box).

However, APPLY protection to those cells that contain formulas.

Then protect the worksheet and that way you do not have to share the password, your users can update as they see fit and your formulas are protected.

Hope that makes sense!