Hi everyone,
I have a question with regard to the expanding of grouped rows and columns after sending a modular workbook top a client who does not have the Modano software. It seems that the client does not have the possibility to to expand or collapse the rows and columns as needed.
Is it possible to send the client the model without releasing it but with the worksheet protection options set so that the rows can be expanded and collapsed but all other protections remain in force?
Thanks!
Sergej
That's correct Tarjei - it's a very annoying side effect of a nuance in Excel (it's been the same way forever so I'm assuming Microsoft intend it to behave this way so I avoid the word bug) in that it's possible to protect sheets and allow users to compact/expand grouped rows/columns within an Excel session, but not after the workbook is saved, closed and re-opened.
Modano contains code which specifically addresses this issue, ensuring that grouped rows and columns can still be collapsed and expanded within modular workbooks, but sheets containing module components will be locked down if opened in Excel without Modano. It's very annoying indeed!
One possible workaround we've considered providing is making the sheet protection password available in the workbook properties so that a macro could be written to overcome this issue when opened without Modano. But this could result in major issues as I'm sure users will take advantage of this password being available and break things.
Instead, the simple workaround is to ask 3rd parties to install the free Community Edition of Modano, which will ensure that they can collapse and expand rows and columns within sheets containing module components.