allow access to some cells in protected worksheet

[Roger Middleton]

good afternoon , I have an unusual problem which has me baffled . I have built a sizeable spreadsheet with approx 400 rows and 15 columns which is about 1/3 full of data collected . I'd like to allow only access to those empty cells remaining in the spreadsheet so that previous collected data is not lost , duplicated or corrupted . I can do this in blank sheets 2 and 3 as a test but not sheet 1 . I have noticed that when I select the cells to be accessible , right click , Format Cells , then Protection , the Locked box is open or unticked whereas on the other sheets it is ticked but not bold .............. . I then go to Review and click on Protect Sheet , ensure Select unlocked cells is ticked and Protect ............... same as I do on the other 2 sheets but it doesn't protect sheet at all ....... any help would be appreciated ... regards RRRoger