Microsoft KB Archive/80228

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Excel Err Msg: Sheet Is Protected...Format Cannot Be Used

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0
 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0

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SUMMARY
When you attempt to save a password-protected document from the versions of Microsoft Excel listed above, Excel generates the error message:

Sheet is protected with password. File format cannot be used.

If this message occurs and the document must be saved in the Excel 2.x format as protected with a password, do the following:


 * 1) From the Options menu, choose Unprotect Document, enter the password, and choose the OK button. (In Excel 5.0 select Protection from the Tools menu and then choose unprotect sheet.)
 * 2) Save the document in Excel 2.x format. (From the File menu, choose Save As, choose the Options button, and under File Format, select Excel 2.x).
 * 3) From the Options menu, choose Protect Document, and enter a password. (In Excel 5.0 select Protection from the Tools menu and then choose unprotect sheet, and enter a password.)
 * 4) Save the document in Excel 2.x format again.

The document can now be used in Excel 2.x as a protected document.