Open spreadsheet file only in Excel

[ChristineJ]

Is there a way to prevent an .xlsx, .xlsm, or .xlsb file from opening in any other program except Excel? In particular, I do not want users using Numbers for MAC.

 

[JLGWhiz]

Is there a way to prevent an .xlsx, .xlsm, or .xlsb file from opening in any other program except Excel? In particular, I do not want users using Numbers for MAC.

Your options are limited in controlling who can open your workbooks. You can password protect them, but I don't know how you would stop someone from opening them as read only, or open them with copatible software or open them on an Apple product. At least not with VBA.

 

[Michael M]

You could probably use this to ID the type of computer
and modify something like if MAC =true then....close workbook


Test if it is a Mac or a Windows Machine

 

[Fazza]

I don't know anything about MACs or MAC Numbers. However, maybe you can use the results of

debug.print application.operatingsystem
debug.print application.version

to set up some VBA that on file open will do what you want? HTH

 

[ChristineJ]

Thanks for the ideas - I will try to follow up with what you have suggested. I don't use a MAC or Numbers, but I do know that Numbers will open an Excel spreadsheet and ignore the protection on the sheets, even they are password protected. So anything hidden and protected on a page can be located by users.

 

[Michael M]

Keep in mind though, that EXcel security is also very weak....and sheets can be unprotected with very little effort anyway.
Sheet protection only keeps honest people....honest !!