Hi Chizra, as you can see it would really help if we knew what version(s) we were dealing with

I would normally associate two files with Excel (OK forget templates), these being .xls, which is the spreadsheet, and .xla which are add-ins. The VB code would be in the .xla and the compiled version would run in the .xls

The .xla files are not viewable by the casual observer going into the Excel spreadsheet. They can be password locked from viewing/editing, which seems to be the situation that we have here?

The spreadsheet can also be password protected, but the Users would have to know it to use it?

I have a terrible confession to make............. I am more of an Access fan myself (assuming we are not talking anything heavy duty) and would prefer to give the users a database with Excel feeding off it, so they can grow "mushrooms" to their hearts' content



PS. I think that in later versions you convert the .xls/xla files? If I knew which version, I would go and check.