Move the pointer to cells for which the Locked box is unchecked on the Protection tab of the Format Cells dialog box. By default, users are allowed to select locked cells. Move the pointer to cells for which the Locked box is checked on the Protection tab of the Format Cells dialog box. In the Allow users of this sheet to list, select the elements that you want users to be able to change. Worksheet protection is a two-step process: the first step is to unlock cells that others can edit, and then you can protect the worksheet with or without a password.