Customizing and Securing Microsoft Word 2010

  • 8/15/2010
Contents

Limiting File Changes

Not only do you need to make sure that the files you open are safe, but you also need to be able to protect the files you create so that people can change only what you want them to change in the file. You can set protection levels on individual files that make it possible for you to limit editing in a document, for example, or protect sections or the structure of a worksheet, so that others’ ability to change the content of the file is limited.

Set File Permissions

  1. Click the File tab.

  2. In the Info tab, click Protect Document.

  3. Click Restrict Editing to control the types of editing that can be done in the file.

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    Formatting restrictions limit users to changing styles used in the document, and editing restrictions enable you to specify whether you want users to view the file as read-only, or if you will allow them to enter tracked changes, comments, or complete forms.

  4. Click the Allow Only This Type Of Editing In The Document check box.

  5. Click the type of change you want to allow.

  6. Indicate who these changes apply to.

  7. Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.

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You can also limit the access others have to your files by restricting the permissions they have based on their role. The Restrict Permission By People option in the Protect Document settings in the Info tab (in Backstage view) enable you to choose the group of people who you want to give access to your document.

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Word gives you the option of adding a digital signature to your document to verify a document’s integrity. The digital signature feature in each of these applications requires a signature service from a third-party vendor. You can begin the process by clicking Add A Digital Signature in the Protect Document selection of the Info tab, and a prompt will offer you the option of finding a signature service on Office Marketplace. Note that Protect Document is not available if you are using Compatibility Mode—you must first save the document as a Word 2010 file before Protect Document becomes available.

Save to your account

This chapter is from the book