It is a 2-stage process, it is just a question of getting the hang of it.

Use the format/protection command and make sure you have the settings
correct for all the worksheet - that in itself hasn't enabled anything -
just set the criteria for the cells.

Then you need to enable it. On XP it is Tools/Protection/Protect sheet,
etc. - there you have all the options in terms of what you will allow/not
allow users to do.

You also have the option of hiding columns and rows before you apply the
protection and that then locks them out of view once protection is enabled.

It /will/ work unless I've missed something. Have you thought about trying
it out on a simple worksheet to see how it works in practice. (It isn't the
easiest feature to see working until you get the hang of it.)

Rob

By default all cells are locked whwn you protect a sheet, you have to do it
this way:
Select all the cells you dont want to protect then choose Format/Protection,
uncheck "Locked", then protect your sheet.

hth