Preventing users from creating Word Macros

[aquias]

Hello all,

I'm hoping this is a simple question for someone out there. Currently we have users working on Word 97/2000 (because of in house software we can't move everyone to 2000).

What I want to do is to restrict everyone from creating new Word macros, but NOT lock down their Normal.dot. They'll still need write access to that for auto text and such. They'll also need the capability to still run IT written macros.

Is there anyway to do this?

Thanks for the feedback and I apologize if this is something easy that I've overlooked!

 

[fumei]

You can remove the Record Macro and the Visual Basic Editor from the Tools menu. Keep the Macro menu so they can run legit macros.

Alt-F11 will still get the VB Editor, but with a little bit of work you can disallow that keystroke as well. Or remap it.

This will not stop a serious person, but it will stop the average user.

May I ask why you want to do this?

 

[aquias]

We currently have two applications that create Word Documents based around templates. Each of these templates have specific macros assigned to them (Our Asian office is in charge of development and will not fully automate this process) so the macros are used to help autofill data.

What we have happening, is several users creating macros and 'passing' them around to users. However, these macros have been removing formatting, corrupting IT created macros, and causing general havoc for IT.

For now, this is the 'best idea' on how to stop this behavior.

 

[fumei]

Then my suggestion can be further enhanced. I hate to say this....but, you can remove EVERYTHING. Remove the Format command, remove the ability to change fonts, size. Make Commandbars tabs for the approved Styles, and remove everything else. Maybe keep the File Open, and Save buttons, but get rid of all the buttons, all the other menu choices. At least in those templates. When the template is called it can create documents based only on those templates and locks everything else out.

Again, if you are a really nosy user it could be possible to screw it up anyway - but you can make pretty hard.