Protecting Spreadsheets

Calinerti · Nov 14, 2003, 11:07 PM

Is there a way to take a spreadsheet (made with Excel) and protect it, so that others may use it, but not see the formulas? I dont want anybody to be able to copy it.

Calinerti · Nov 19, 2003, 07:08 AM

I found out that what needs to be done is to "compile" and make a .exe file. Not too sure what that means. Google has failed me. Does anyone have a link to such a "compiler"? or a link where I can learn more?

The_Neon_Cowboy · Nov 19, 2003, 07:22 AM

well, the big question is do you vb6 or a programming language?

ToshiroOC · Nov 19, 2003, 07:41 AM

One cannot compile a spreadsheet. The only way to hide your algorithms is to write an independent program outside of Excel, and even then a skilled assembly coder could decipher them. The most secure way to protect data like that is to have the input and output handled remotely, such as through a webserver, and keep the algorithms only accessable through remote access.

Oblivious · Nov 19, 2003, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ToshiroOC
One cannot compile a spreadsheet. The only way to hide your algorithms is to write an independent program outside of Excel, and even then a skilled assembly coder could decipher them. The most secure way to protect data like that is to have the input and output handled remotely, such as through a webserver, and keep the algorithms only accessable through remote access.

Thats a bit extreme. After all how many people do you know that are experienced at analyzing machine code? In my case I can count them on the fingers of one hand.

Nov 14, 2003, 11:07 PM	#1
Calinerti DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Elysium Posts: 330 Rep Power: 0	Protecting Spreadsheets Is there a way to take a spreadsheet (made with Excel) and protect it, so that others may use it, but not see the formulas? I dont want anybody to be able to copy it.

Nov 19, 2003, 07:22 AM	#3
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	well, the big question is do you vb6 or a programming language? __________________

Nov 19, 2003, 07:41 AM	#4
ToshiroOC Unbiased. Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 4,812 Rep Power: 0	One cannot compile a spreadsheet. The only way to hide your algorithms is to write an independent program outside of Excel, and even then a skilled assembly coder could decipher them. The most secure way to protect data like that is to have the input and output handled remotely, such as through a webserver, and keep the algorithms only accessable through remote access. __________________ [img][/img] [color=White]Peace be with you, Joe.[/color] Driverheaven Staff Member (Supermoderator)

Nov 19, 2003, 07:08 AM	Thread Starter #2
Calinerti DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Elysium Posts: 330 Rep Power: 0	I found out that what needs to be done is to "compile" and make a .exe file. Not too sure what that means. Google has failed me. Does anyone have a link to such a "compiler"? or a link where I can learn more?