Lockdown MS Project

Question

Is there a way to lock MS Project into a read-only file that disallows the read-only user from adding or removing columns, changing the size attributes of existing columns or rows, etc.? The password option has a read only function; however, it still allows the user to add and delete columns, change views, etc. Specifically, I am looking for a way, if possible, to make the file act like a .pdf file.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Creating a World-Readable Project File with a Write-Reservation

What you want is called "write-reservation" in MS-speak. You can find instructions on Microsoft's support site under "Password-protect a project file". Modify them for your particular use case as follows:

1. Select File -> Save As.
2. Don't fill in a Protection password if you want to allow anyone to open it read-only.
3. Set the Write reservation password to a strong password.
4. Check the Read-only recommended box if you're so inclined. NB: This doesn't actually protect the file; it just adds a warning message when opened read/write.
5. Distribute the file as you see fit.

Supported Versions

The instructions above are supported in the following versions of MS Project:

• Project Online Desktop Client
• Project Professional 2013
• Project Professional 2016
• Project Standard 2010
• Project Standard 2013
• Project Standard 2016
• Project Standard 2019
• Project Professional 2019