How to Password ProtectA Word 2010 Document

Sue SheppardCIS 112 – Spring 2011

2/12/2011

INTRODUCTION

Password protecting files is a way to prevent other users the ability to open your files without knowing that password. It is a way to protect sensitive information, to keep other users on the same computer from accessing a document, and requires the reader of the document to know the password in order to open it. It is useful both for personal files and company files.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CREATING STRONG PASSWORDS:

Use a combination of letters (upper and lower case), punctuation, numbers, and symbols. Passwords should be at least eight characters. The longer the password the better. Do not use words that are easy to guess (nicknames, pet’s names, anniversary, etc). Change password regularly. Do not give your password out. Do not include personal / private information. Do not use words from the dictionary. Create a password you can remember. If you write it down, keep it in a secure location. Check the password strength on an online password checker.

Password protecting a document requires a reader to enter a password that will allow them to enter the document.

The user will open the document and enter in the password before they can read the document.

2

Two Methods to Password Protect the Document

There are two methods to follow that will require a user to enter a password when they open the document:

Method 1: Encrypt the document:

Open a new document, when saving, follow the following steps:

Step Description View1 Choose the file button

2 Choose Prepare and thenChoose Encrypt Document

3 Enter the passwordClick OK

4 Re-enter the password to confirm the passwordClick OK

5 Continue to save the file by entering the file name, choosing the location to save the file, the type of file, and clicking OK.

3

Method 2: Protect the file during the Save As process:

Step Description View1 Choose the File

Button

2 Choose Save AsEnter in the File NameChoose the down arrow to the right of Tools

3 Choose General Options

4 Enter in the Password Highlighted in Orange in picture on leftClick OK

Re-enter the Password Highlighted in Orange in picture on rightClick OK

5 Continue to save the file by entering the file name, choosing the location to save the file, the type of file, and clicking OK.

4