Protection - multiple ranges at different times

[PurpleMilk]

Hi,

I'm using Excel 2003 and have a process that requires certain cells in a
worksheet to be available at different stages. For example:

1) at the beginning of the year, I would like columns A thru M to be
available for entry (all these cells are "unlocked" on Format menu)
2) then 3 months later I would like to block off columns A thru D and leave
only E thru M open
3) then 3 more months later, I would like to additionaly block off columns E
thru H and only leave J thru M open, etc etc etc

I have assigned multiple protectiopn ranges and each has it's own unique
password.

All is fine and dandy for stage 1, however when I get to stage 2 and try to
lock down columns A thru D - somehow these columns are still available for
entry??? It's like nothing changed? Why?

I've tried multiple ways around this - but can't seem to get stages of
protection applied.


Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!

Thanks.