Locking and Unlocking Cells in Excel When Protecting a Spreadsheet

In my day-to-day life I'm known as the "Excel Queen."  I love it, and am often heard saying it could save the world.  While I am extremely creative, I am also equally type-A and a total geek.  To this end, today I needed to unlock some cells in excel before protecting a spreadsheet.  I Googled, I asked around, and it seems no one anywhere could explain HOW to do this.  Weird, right?

Here goes:

You're in excel.  You highlight the cells you want people to BE ABLE TO edit (if the cells don't touch, hold the CTRL button as you select various cells)

Once they're highlighted, go to the HOME tab (you should already be on it), then look all the way to the right at the FORMAT option.  Seen below:

Click the drop-down arrow and DESELECT Lock Cell

Then go back to FORMAT drop-down and select Protect Sheet

Enter a password if you'd like (when prompted) and click OK

VOILA!  The cells you selected will be editable and the others will be blocked.  This can protect formulas, data, or anything necessary from little hands, coworkers, or anyone that simply doesn't know enough about Excel to leave important portions alone.

Enjoy :)