OHSU's Software Forum

Scott Jaqua · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

I have a word document that is saved as a .dot and one saved as a .doc. I used Office 2003 to create these documents and used the little "lock" icon to protect them, but now there is no lock.

When I open these documents in Office 2007, I cannot make any modifications. According to the user guide, I should be able to use the "protect document" section under "review" in Word 2007, but this involves downloading an IRM software trial from Microsoft. Is there another way?

I would appreciate someone who knows the answer to call me at 4-2578.

Thank you!

Scott Jaqua

Lilylaca · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 6

You have to go into Word options through the office button and under Popular there is the option to Show Developer tab in the ribbon. Once the Developer Ribbon is open you will find a button called Protect Document on it. Click on the downward arrow and click on "Restrict formating and editing" then pause and then click on it again. It should unlock it from there. I came across this same problem.

If it doesn't work let me know there is another option.

Scott Jaqua · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

I tried your suggestion and it did not work. I am able to check the "restrict formating & editing" and then make changes to the field boxes that I have, but when I un-check "restrict formating and editing" I still cannot make changes to the rest of the document.

In addition, when I tried protecting it and then saved, then re-opened, the restricted access check mark went away.

Thank you for helping me find a solution!

Eric Missman · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 10 Location: MSB

Had the document been converted to the new Word file format? I just ran into this same issue and it turns out it was a document created in Word 2003 and it was running in "Compatibility Mode". Check your title bar.

Lilylaca · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 6

I would then add the Lock button to your quick access tool bar. Click on the downward arrow on the quick access tool bar and go to the More Commands. Once in there change the "choose commands from" to "all commands" and then scroll down to "lock". There will be a padlock icon next to it. Click on the add command to move it to the quick access tool bar and click ok.

When you open the document click on the padlock and see if it fixes your problem.

If it doesn't work and it's not confidential I would be willing to look at it for you.

Good luck.

Scott Jaqua · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU

That worked!!!

Cool