Unlocking cells for data entry

To remove the Locked protection status from a cell range or nonadjacent selection, follow these steps:

1. Select the range or ranges to be unlocked.
   To select multiple ranges to create a nonadjacent cell selection, hold down the Ctrl key as you drag through each range.
2. Choose Format → Cells or press Ctrl+1 to open the Format Cells dialog box.
3. Select the Protection tab and then clear the Locked check box.
4. Click OK to close the Format Cells dialog box.

Keep in mind that unlocking cells does nothing in and of itself. It's not until you turn on the protection for your worksheet that your unlocked cells work any differently from the locked ones. At that time, only unlocked cells accept the edits that you specify.