Making Document as Read Only in Word

[Sachi Noma]

Making Document as "Read Only" in Word

I use Windows XP Home Edition and Office XP Word 2002 (10.6612.6626) SP3

1) Can someone tell me how I can make my document as "read only" with no
editing previliges. I am seeking the result something similiar to a PDF
document but in Word format.

I tried playing with the Word but somehow I am unable to do so.

2) If I was to open a "read only" document, can it be saved using another
name and then edit it?

Thank you.

Best regards from Japan, Sachi

 

[Graham Mayor]

This is not possible in Word. If the document can be opened for viewing it
can be edited.
PDF would be better but ultimately even that isn't foolproof.

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


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[Howard Kaikow]

In general, no password protection scheme is foolproof.
The popular apps are all under constant attack by hackers.
Most apps have likely had their schemes cracked at some point.

However, I see no point in ever distributing a read-only Word doc as it is
all too easy to overcome password protection.
PDF is not as easy to overcome.

 

[campzemer]

There is something that you can do. If it's that important copy and paste
everything into Powerpoint, and save it it as a graphic file.

 

[Robin Graham]

Open Windows Explorer and r/click the file, Properties, check the read-only
box.

Rob Graham

 

[Robin Graham]

2) If I was to open a "read only" document, can it be saved using another
name and then edit it?

Sorry, forgot! Yes, it can. Actually, you'd edit it first then save it with
another name. You can edit a read-only document, it's just that you can't
save the editing.
Rob

 

[Sachi Noma]

Thanks all for your comments.

Am I correct in understanding that even with newer version of Word, say Word
2003, making it "read only" securely is not possible?

Regards from Japan, Sachi

 

[Graham Mayor]

You are correct. Ultimately it is not possible to secure *any* document that
you allow users to view.

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


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[Graham Mayor]

And that could be overcome quite simply by reversing the process.

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


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