Using Protected Documents

NOTE-- We retired the MacNail estimating program in 2000, and replaced it with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still a significant number of die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing features. In Goldenseal, all data is automatically accessible when it's reasonable to change it, and locked when not. You can also use Passwords to control the access of each employee to your company data.

Protected Estimating Worksheets

MacNail Customizing worksheets are shipped in protected form. Only some of the regular Excel commands will work on a protected worksheet.

For best results, keep document protection turned on when working with files in The MacNail construction management software, unless our instructions tell you specifically to turn it off. Working with documents protected prevents you from accidentally damaging formulas, database structures, or other features that are important for reliable operation.

If you do turn off document protection, never use the following Excel commands:

Edit menu-- Cut, Delete , Insert.
Data menu-- Set Database, Set Criteria, Set Extract, Delete, Sort.
In addition, the following commands are potentially dangerous, and may cause problems if used incorrectly on an unprotected worksheet:
File menu-- Save As.
Edit menu-- Copy, Paste, Clear, Fill Down, Fill Right.
Formula menu-- Define Name, Replace.