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You can lock a file to make it read-only and prevent it from being accidentally deleted.

Lock or unlock a workbook to make it read-only

Note: If your workbook is shared, anyone who has Write privileges can clear the read-only status. For stronger protection, require a password to save changes.

  1. On the File menu, click Info.

  2. Click on Protect Workbook and select the Always Open Read-Only.

See also

Prompt to open a workbook as read-only

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