Protect Worksheet Structure with Array Formulas

July 31, 2009 by datapig Leave a reply »

In the another display of passive aggressive behavior, I want to show you a trick you can use to prevent anyone from adding or deleting rows or columns by using a simple array formula. 

I'm pretty sure I got this trick from Bob Umlas.  Most Bob tricks, they are extremely cool, but I never seem to find situations where I can use them.  But, maybe this trick will hit the spot for some of you.

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Step 1:  Highlight the rows where you don't rows added or deleted. 

Type =""

Press Shift+Ctrl+Enter to apply the array.

protectwitharray1

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Step 2:  Highlight the columns where you don't rows added or deleted. 

Type =""

Press Shift+Ctrl+Enter to apply the array.

protectwitharray2

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Step 3: Hide the array formulas along with anything else you don't want your users to see.

When your users try to add or delete a column or row in the protected area, they'll get a face full of error message.

protectwitharray3

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I think this would be useful if you didn't want apply sheet protection but still wanted to prevent structural changes.  Although – I can't think of any reason why you would stay away from sheet protection.

What do you think?

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