I have a spreadsheet that I need to establish permissions for three different user groups.  All users would have read access to all data.  I am looking at one tab to keep it simple.  Lets say group a has columns A-J, group b has column K, and group c has L-O.

I am supposed to be able to set up permissions for this purpose by using the "Allow users to edit ranges" feature.  I can create the range name, I can assign users, I can establish passwords for ranges and it all looks good.  I am saving the file to a fileshare so that any of the "groups" can access the file at anytime for updates.  Problem is that when opened anyone can edit anything.  Nothing is protected.  

Is there a problem with this method when using a fileshare server?

I see lots of comments regarding this topic as known "bug in excel" regarding this issue.  Is it a known bug that this feature just doesn't work?

thanks,

Mark

• Edited by markpatt007 14 hours 48 minutes ago

Hi Mark,

I tested you issue in my own environment and you can refer to these steps:

1. I selected all cells in worksheet and on the Protection tab, select the Locked check box.
   
2. As shown in the following figure, I allow user Emi to edit ranges of column I.
   
3. As the same as step 2, I allow user Steve to edit ranges of column K.
   
4. After configuring permission, apply the setting and protect the sheet.
   
5. Put this file to network.
   
6. I (User: Emi) cannot edit other cells without permissions.
   
7. I (User: Emi) can edit Column I without any limitations.
   
8. I (User: Emi) cannot edit Column K which allow user Steve to edit.
   

Please check if these steps work for you, you can also refer to this article to get more information:
https://support.office.com/en-ca/article/Lock-or-unlock-specific-areas-of-a-protected-worksheet-bdb8252f-d605-45cb-9712-137925867ad4

If these steps less work for you, Please provide more information about your issue.

I'm glad to help and follow up your reply.

Regards,

Emi Zhang
TechNet Community Su