Question description:
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I want to hide and protect from being unhidden a column in excel, I need the remainder of the spreadsheet to be shared and editable etc. just don't want all to be able to see a specific column which is just for management
Solved by K. J. in 40 mins
This is the chat thread from the real Excelchat help session. It contains no private user
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Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:15
Welcome to Excelchat, I see that your question is about protecting a hidden column.
User
10/10/2018 - 02:15
yes
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:16
Ok, do you have a sheet to share
User
10/10/2018 - 02:17
Unfortunately I cannot share the whole document but I can give you an example
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:17
Ok an example is fine
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:18
Load you example and I will walk thru the steps and put the steps in NOTES tab.
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:19
There are quite a few steps, unfortunately
User
10/10/2018 - 02:19
Ok, how do I share it
User
10/10/2018 - 02:19
oh I see the paperclip
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:19
Yes
User
10/10/2018 - 02:19
[Uploaded an Excel file]
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:20
Also, this process will require a password
User
10/10/2018 - 02:20
that's fine
User
10/10/2018 - 02:20
the column I need hidden is column C
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:20
ok,
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:21
Let me work thru this and verify steps.
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:21
Please stand by.
User
10/10/2018 - 02:21
ok
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:27
I think I have it, but this protection set up prevents any columns from being UNHID
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:28
Is that Ok?
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:29
Once a hidden column is hidden-EXCEL shuts the entire UNHIDE down.
User
10/10/2018 - 02:30
DOes that mean I can't unhide it at all? or just without a password?
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:30
You will need the password to UNHIDE or INSERT columns, rows
User
10/10/2018 - 02:31
that's oik
User
10/10/2018 - 02:32
ok
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:32
ok
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:34
Let me write up the steps, the tricky part is when to HIDE the column. I need to test that step a few times
User
10/10/2018 - 02:36
ok thank you
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:38
Ok, I am writing up the procedure , quite a few steps
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:38
Please stand by
User
10/10/2018 - 02:38
ok thank you
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:44
[Uploaded an Excel file]
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:44
Ok, lets review and you try
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:44
the sheet is locked,
User
10/10/2018 - 02:44
ok
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:44
5. In Search Box (magifying glass on the HOME menu), type in PROTECT
6. And select PROTECT SHEET
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:44
type in PASSWORD = open123
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:45
first try to UNHIDE column C to make sure you CAN NOT
User
10/10/2018 - 02:45
It won't let me unprotect or protect sheet
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:46
It wont let you open?
User
10/10/2018 - 02:46
I've got the document open, everything is greyed out, when I tupe in PROTECT ^nothing comes up that can be clicked on
User
10/10/2018 - 02:47
I've got it now
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:48
yes, need to select the option PROTECT SHEET
User
10/10/2018 - 02:48
It seems to be working
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:48
then type in the password to allow unhide
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:48
do it again: select the option PROTECT SHEET
User
10/10/2018 - 02:48
yes that works
User
10/10/2018 - 02:49
Thank you so much
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:49
OK , the notes on how to set this up are there
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:49
in a separate sheet
User
10/10/2018 - 02:50
I see that thank you
Excelchat Expert
10/10/2018 - 02:50
Thanks for coming to Excelchat. Feel free to leave any comments or feedback. Have a nice day.
User
10/10/2018 - 02:50
You too, have a great day
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