How to "Lock" a Document on a PC for Privacy

Updated on June 10, 2010
A.H. asks from Arlington, TX
6 answers

Hello Mammas!
I want to start writing a book, I have Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Office. I want to start writing a book, but I feel like I need it to be private until I am finished with it. I don't want any nosy teenagers or my spouse critiquing me.
Thanks for your help!

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I attach a password to documents I don't want anyone else viewing. Go into the Tools pull down menu, Options then Security. That will give you an option for a password to open the document.

Good luck with your book! Keep us all apprised!

3 moms found this helpful
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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

Yep - MM is right, password protect the document. However, MAKE SURE you write the password down somewhere because if you lose it or forget it you can NEVER open the document. Even if you take it somewhere there is no re-set button for password protection (ask me how I know lol!!!!!).

good luck on your book!

2 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Huntsville on

You could also setup a separate user account w/ a password on the computer & save any book related files under that account.

Or, only save the documents on a USB flash drive & keep that hidden when you aren't using it.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

I don't know of a way to lock a document, I think you can make it "read-only" but that won't help you. What I would do is buy a USB drive and store your file there, removing it from the computer when you are not working on it. You can get small USB drives everywhere, walmart has them for $10 and up. Good luck on your book!

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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

There is a way to password protect Microsoft documents, but the method of doing is may be different for each program (for instance, the method of password protecting an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is different than for a Microsoft Word document). In the Microsoft Office 2003 programs, you can usually click on "Help" in the top toolbar, then select the Office Assistant from the drop-down menu, and in the text box type password protection and see what results you get.

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I don't know about locking documents. My suggestion would be to get your own personal laptop. That's the way we have it at our house.

Daughter uses hers for school and social, hubby and I own our company and we each have one.

I can't imagine my hubby or daughter nosing around on my laptop. I have our Quickbooks and formulations on my laptop which are highly confidential to our business. My computer is password protected as well.

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