When I export Timeline data to EXCEL, the resulting spreadsheet is “protected”. This means I can’t use the SORT feature.
If I copy/paste the data from the protected file into a new spreadsheet, the data is still “protected”.
If I export the data as CSV and open in Excel, then I can work with the data as expected and can sort.
Why is RootsMagic ‘protecting’ the data when exporting to Excel? How can I turn this feature off?
I just opened the Timeline List in Excel and was able to sort the column. I’m using Microsoft 365 which is up-to-date. I know sometimes I get files from users and it will be protected. Then I have to turn it off. Mine just didn’t come up that way.
It’s hard to know for sure without having your Excel file in hand to play with. But try the Review tab and see if there is an Unprotect Sheet you can click. There is more than one kind of “protect” in Excel, and I don’t know for sure which kind of protect your file has turned on.
sometimes you can get an alert if you are trying to do something and the file is “IN USE” with more than “program” sometimes like when you attach a spreadsheet to an email that is open in Excel.
there are also two ways to export so you might want to try the other and CSV can be opened in Excel
RootsMagic isn’t doing anything exotic. the Excel export comes out with sheet protection enabled, not password-locked, simply tagged as protected. When it is enabled, Excel won’t let you sort, and copy/paste offers protection.
open the file and go Review → Unprotect Sheet (usually no password). Sorting comes next. CSV behaves properly because it’s pure text and Excel rebuilds everything.
RootsMagic does not have a setting to disable this. if you want minimal friction, stick with CSV.
starting to think its might be a setting in your Excel or computer (maybe MS Office Setting) there are setting to block files created elsewhere it could be related to that)