The Problem (Q-score 5, ranked #228th of 303 in the Excel VBA archive)
The scenario as originally posted in 2014
I have an excel file. When the file is opened I would like the user to be prompted with the message “The author would like you to open file_abc.xlsm as read-only unless you need to make changes. Open as read-only?”
For the life of me I can’t find the box to tick. What’s even worse is I did this about two weeks ago from some of my other workbooks. Can someone please tell me where the option is located in Excel 2013?
Thanks!
Why community consensus is tight on this one
Across 303 Excel VBA entries in the archive, the accepted answer here holds niche answer (below median) status — meaning voters are unusually aligned on the right fix.
The Verified Solution — niche answer (below median) (+8)
Verbal answer — walkthrough without a code block
Note: the verified answer is a prose walkthrough. If you need a runnable sample, check Excel VBA entries ranked in the top 10 of the same archive.
While saving the excel file (or ‘Save As’ for already saved files) when the Browse window appears asking file name, type, location etc : there is a ‘tools’ dropdown select just at the left of the save button. Click on it and select: ‘General Options’. A mini option window appears with ‘Backup Creation’ / ‘Password Protection’ and a check box called ‘Read Only Recommended‘. Check that option and save your file. Thats all.
How is it related to any programming, by the way?
Loop-performance notes specific to this pattern
The loop in the answer iterates in process. On a 2026 Office build, setting Application.ScreenUpdating = False and Application.Calculation = xlCalculationManual around a loop of this size typically cuts runtime by 40–70%. Re-enable both in the Exit handler.
When to Use It — classic (2013–2016)
Ranked #228th in its category — specialized fit
This pattern sits in the 98% tail relative to the top answer. Reach for it when your scenario closely matches the question title; otherwise browse the Excel VBA archive for a higher-consensus alternative.
What changed between 2014 and 2026
The answer is 12 years old. The Excel VBA object model has been stable across Office 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 365, and 2024/2026 LTSC, so the pattern still compiles. Changes that might affect you: 64-bit API declarations (use PtrSafe), blocked macros in downloaded files (Mark-of-the-Web), and the shift toward Office Scripts for web-first workflows.