Protected sheet trong word 2003

Follow the simple step-by-step process below to quickly Password Protect/Encrypt your Office 2003 Documents (.doc, .xls, .ppt).

Recently I wrote an article explaining how to Password Protect Office 2007 Documents. Because the process is so much different, I felt it necessary to write a separate article for Password Protecting (and encrypting) a Word 2003, Excel 2003, or PowerPoint 2003 document. Just follow the simple step-by-step process below to quickly Password Protect/Encrypt your Office 2003 Documents (.doc, .xls, .ppt).

Using passwords, you can prevent other people from opening or modifying your Microsoft Office documents, presentations, workbooks, and databases. It’s important to note that this password protection/encryption process is excellent if done right, which makes it hard to crack.

1. Open the Document you wish to encrypt/password-protect.  

2. Click Tools, then click Options.

All shots were taken from Microsoft Word 2003

3. Click the Security tab, and then click the Advanced button.

4. Scroll down and click RC4, Microsoft Enhanced RSA, and AES Cryptographic Provider. By default, the key length is 128, and the box Encrypt document properties are checked. Verify this and click OK.

If you skip this step, you might as well not use a password at all, being that standard Password Cracking tools are available, which can break the lower level of encryption algorithms.

Please note – It’s crucial to use a strong passphrase or password below. 

5. Click in the box Password to open and type a password. Click OK when finished.

Note that your password length may be limited to 15-18 characters depending on the encryption you choose.  Also, the Modify password IS limited to 15 characters and not very secure.  It’s better to make a PDF of the document if you’re looking to let someone read but not edit.  Also, please refer to “Background Info” at the end of this article.

6. Renter your Password and click OK.

7. Click File, then click Save As. (Or, if you have already saved this document, click Save, and you’re done.)

8. Type in a File name and click Save.

That’s all there is to it. Now your document is secure and protected.

Background Info:

• Password to open: By default, this feature uses lame encryption, so be sure to add a long passphrase and enhanced RSA & AES encryption under the Advanced Option.
• Password to modify: This feature does not use any encryption method.  It’s designed to collaborate with content reviewers you trust, not to help make your file more secure. It’s a nice way to allow people to view the document but restrict them from making any changes.
• Both passwords: You can assign both passwords: one to access the file and one to allow specific reviewers permission to modify its content. Just be sure each password is different from the other.