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XLS Padlock Changelog

What's new in XLS Padlock 2022.0

Jul 28, 2022
  • New Web Update feature: Check for updates:
  • XLS Padlock now allows you to include a Web Update function to your compiled Excel workbook applications. When customers launch your application, a regular new version check can be done (it is even possible to trigger it manually with “Check for Updates” as shown below).
  • In case a new version is available, the application can instantly download the updated EXE file from your web hosting supplier or web server, and also securely install it. This enables customers to constantly stick with the latest version of your Excel workbook easily.
  • Improved UI and dialog boxes for compiled workbooks:
  • For instance, the Welcome screen step now looks like this:
  • The “load last save” option was replaced by the new “load a recent save” one. By clicking it, a menu is displayed with all recent saves made by customers. If a save file is not found, it is not displayed (no more “Last file not found” error).
  • Another new option is also available: “allow enter activation key on welcome screen”. This lets your customers easily enter a new activation key (very useful in case of time-limited keys).
  • Dongle locking and remote update:
  • We added support for the EnkyCT dongle model. This dongle model offers you the possibility to remotely upgrade the dongles already provided to your customers. For instance, you can extend restrictions: set a new expiration date or usage count. Customers do not have to send you their dongles physically for upgrading them.
  • New security features:
  • New security option: Remove “Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop” function.
  • Better error message if validation fails (with the possibility to enter a new activation key, for instance in case of offline mode)
  • The application now verifies that an activation token is provided before contacting the activation server.
  • New advanced option: “Disable Overwrite Prompt in the Save As dialog box”.
  • Fixed random crash on some Excel versions when DDE was disabled.
  • Optimization and lots of improvements:
  • Improved code signing utility and new default time-stamp servers used.
  • Code signing is no more performed if the PFX file does not exist.
  • CTRL+S shortcut is now enabled in secure workbook applications.
  • Default brotli compression (dropped LZMA) for improved speed.
  • Optimized workbook loading (increased speed).
  • Full compatibility with Excel 2021.
  • Full compatibility with Windows 11.
  • Upgraded VBA script engine.
  • Upgraded internal workbook handling engine.
  • SVG support for splash screens.
  • SIL language files were updated. If you use custom language files, be sure to compare them with new language files to find out new strings to be translated.
  • Improved restoration of XLSCE data files.
  • Fixed some alignment problems on high DPI screens.
  • Fixed “Clear Activation Data” did not work in some cases.
  • Updated documentation, and new VBA code samples are available too. Retrieve the activation token with VBA, retrieving subscription/licence information with VBA.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 2021.1 (Jan 28, 2021)

  • Added a Paste button in the Online Activation dialog box (see the documentation because it is not automatically added to existing projects).
  • Updated built-in timestamp server URL for (deprecated) SHA1 code signing.
  • Clicking "Last Save" will show a warning if the save file is not found instead of loading original workbook.
  • Fixed a saving problem (.XLSCE format only) with date formating.
  • Fixed: when loading an XLSCE save file, it could not be overwritten sometimes.
  • Fixed: the -enterkey switch did not accept a new activation key if the portable mode was enabled.
  • Minor improvements and optimization.

New in XLS Padlock 2021.0 (Dec 21, 2020)

  • New saving mode: XLS Padlock can now store defined cell values in save files (XLSCE format) and not the whole workbook (XLSC format). Thus, if you frequently modify your source workbook and distribute these new versions to your customers, they will benefit from the updates while having the possibility to reload their own modifications. You can learn more about this new saving mode here.
  • New UI theme for XLS Padlock which also offers improvements for 4K screens and large system fonts.
  • New documentation format: we converted our documentation to the standard HTML Help format. XLS Padlock now has context-sensitive help: just click Help or press F1 to get the help topic on the option you are interested in. It will also be easier and faster to find the right information in the new documentation. The documentation is still available as a user manual in PDF if you prefer.
  • The XLS Padlock documentation is also available online now.
  • New optimized memory manager and updated compression routines for faster workbook opening.
  • Optimization of the "Protect selected cell(s) with XLS Padlock" command (speed highly increased).
  • Support for protecting Excel workbooks with Enky LC2 dongles
  • Ability to restore/save custom values for save files within VBA code.
  • New Excel menu command: Let users save and restore selected cell value(s) with XLS Padlock
  • New "Cell Save And Restore" button in XLS Padlock's ribbon. This will show a dialog box to manage which cells should be saved and restored if the new saving mode is chosen.
  • You can now configure your workbook application's EULA (license agreement) to show up every time before the workbook is opened.
  • The "Decrypt Save" command will let you load cell values from XLSCE save files too.
  • Compatibility for Windows 10 20H2 update.
  • Upgraded VBA script engine.
  • Upgraded internal workbook handling engine.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 2020.1 (Jun 5, 2020)

  • Compatibility for Windows 10 May 2020 update (v2004).
  • Added support for relative paths in XLS Padlock: they will be related to the folder that contains the Excel workbook file. For instance, if you have the icon file in the same folder as your workbook file, just enter the icon filename in the "icon" field, the absolute path is no more needed.
  • The "Protect Workbook" button under "Review" tab is now disabled in applications by default.
  • If you run Excel 64-bit, the default Build EXE mode is now Universal and no more 32-bit.
  • Upgraded VBA script engine.
  • Minor improvements

New in XLS Padlock 2020.0 (Mar 25, 2020)

  • New restriction option: Only allow one instance of the protected workbook.
  • Key generator: new option to disable online validation for generate keys. This is useful for instance for manual offline activation.
  • New buttons to explore and delete the app's Save Storage folder.
  • XLS Padlock now detects whether Excel has stopped prematurely and informs end users. This can occur if the end user has got an anti-virus or anti-exploit software to protect their Excel installation, or if the Excel copy is not activated.
  • XLL add-ins are now supported and can be compiled as companion files. A VBA code sample for registered XLL files is also available in the user guide.
  • New Advanced option: Allow the user to close the splash screen by clicking it.
  • XLS Padlock now prevents the Excel Options dialog bo from being opened.
  • Disabled access to "My add-ins" in recent Office 365 updates.
  • Added a minimize button to the main screen.
  • Open dialog boxes will now remember the last path used.
  • New resource strings for localization.
  • Fixed random multiple "OLE ERROR 800a3ec" errors.
  • Improved 64-bit mode for universal Excel EXE files.
  • Upgraded VBA script engine.
  • Upgraded compression engine.
  • Updated user guide with new FAQ items, VBA code snippets (open a PDF companion file, test if trial or registered workbook state...).
  • Minor improvements

New in XLS Padlock 2019.1 (Jul 19, 2019)

  • New VBA helper function to open XLSC save files (see our user guide).
  • Added keystrokes for Build (F5), Save and Close (F7), and Help (F1).
  • You can now specify multiple worksheet passwords in the Worksheet Password field.
  • New VBA code snippet to retrieve the EXE filename.
  • New VBA code snippet to retrieve the path to the Local Save Folder.
  • Fixed: "this workbook contains connections that need Internet Explorer 9 or later in order to be refreshed" random error messages.
  • Fixed: false errors related to the administrative mode on some Windows installations.
  • Added new warning in compilation log if no formula protection is detected.
  • Deleted save files do not appear in the filename drop-down list anymore.
  • Fixed: the *.sil file location was not saved.
  • Fixed: Read stream error in VBA compiled code at design time when compiling 32-bit and 64-bit EXE files.
  • Lots of minor improvements.
  • Updated user guide with new FAQ items, VBA code snippets.

New in XLS Padlock 2019.0 (Mar 8, 2019)

  • Full support for Excel 2019 and recent Office 365 releases.
  • New formula protection system that does not use Excel automation: XLS Padlock is now blazing fast for generating protected workbook applications, especially for workbooks with dozens of formulas to protect.
  • The new Office 365's Share and Home buttons are now disabled in secure applications.
  • New command line switch -enterkey to let end users enter a new activation key and replace an existing one.
  • New feature: you can now configure Excel's main window display at startup (in Customize EXE page).
  • It is now possible to hide Excel's main window at startup, useful for displaying VBA forms only (see user guide).
  • New compilation log: after compilation, you are given the option to show the compilation log. It is especially useful for reviewing compilation errors such as code signing errors detected by XLS Padlock.
  • Improved locking of VBA project. Moreover, XLS Padlock can also lock VBA projects in encrypted workbooks.
  • %SAVEFILENAME% will now only show the current save's filename while %SAVEFULLNAME% will show the full path in Excel's title bar.
  • You can now specify which custom fields are required for registration dialog boxes (online activation).
  • Excel.EXE code signing certificate is now verified.
  • Secure applications will refuse to run in elevated mode (unless you allow it in "Advanced Options").
  • New button to generate a random Application Master Key.
  • Improved detection of Excel.EXE on computers.
  • Universal mode: EXE filenames are no more random for better compatibility with some firewalls.
  • Universal mode: fixed random loading error in 32-bit EXE files that contain Excel password-encrypted workbooks.
  • New German translation.
  • The splash screen is now hidden when other dialog boxes are displayed (such as loading an XSLC save file).
  • Fixed: "cell copy and cut to clipboard" was not properly disabled in recent Office 365 versions.
  • A combobox lets you choose an existing translation file directly.
  • EXE product and file versions are now checked against valid format (X.X.X.X).
  • Minor improvements.
  • Updated user guide.

New in XLS Padlock 2018.2 (Apr 27, 2018)

  • Improved formula protection behavior, especially for formulas with cell dependencies.
  • It is now possible to mark several cells for protection in one time.
  • New Clear All Formulas button.
  • A warning is now displayed if no cell has been marked for protection.
  • New "how to mark formulas for stronger protection in Excel" video.
  • New faster compression method which improves compilation time.
  • Improved progress bar and status.
  • Improved Universal 64-bit mode.
  • Fixed "Invalid variant type" regression in VBA compiler while passing parameters from normal VBA functions to compiled VBA functions.
  • Better error message for OLE error 800A03EC.
  • Lots of internal improvements.
  • Updated user guide (opening Word companion files, Print_Area name conflict workaround, etc).

New in XLS Padlock 2018.1 (Mar 16, 2018)

  • New additional VBA helper functions to pass more parameters to compiled VBA code.
  • Updated user guide with several new sections. For example: how to correctly apply some protection features.
  • Improved speed of VBA compiler for large VBA code files.
  • Improved error message if a Universal EXE can't start the 64-bit mode for Excel 64-bit (for instance, if a security software prevents it).
  • Fixed: the ‘Every X days’ option in validation did not always display the X field.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 2018.0 (Feb 23, 2018)

  • XLS Padlock can build Universal application EXE files: one single EXE file for both 32-bit and 64-bit Excel versions, but larger. The same EXE file will work with any Excel 32-bit or 64-bit version.
  • New ability to build separate 32-bit and 64-bit EXE files at the same time.
  • You can now cancel the "load previous save" dialog box.
  • New option to always show a welcome screen, even if no save was previously made on the computer.
  • You can now import and export VBA code from/to files in the XLS Padlock's VBA compiler.
  • Online Validation can be configured to occur only when an active Internet connection is available.
  • New validation by number of days after activation.
  • You can now specify a custom UI file that will be applied to the secure Excel instance (ExcelUI XML format), useful to offer your own ribbon for instance.
  • Fixed: EXE won't save the *.eula and *.lic files to the current folder of the EXE file.
  • Fixed: "ReadSystemID" VBA extension returns different system ID than expected in 64-bit mode.
  • Fixed: Clear Activation Data doesn't remove .lic if portable mode.
  • Fixed: activation and validation dialog boxes were not correctly translated.
  • Fixed: error "corrupted data received from application" if title has non-English characters.
  • Fixed: "SaveSecureWorkbookToFile" VBA extension failed if "Allow save but do not handle loading/saving" was enabled.
  • Improvement: XLS Padlock now checks whether companion files exist during compilation.
  • Updated user guide (with new changes and new VBA code about how to retrieve number of remaining days in trial mode).
  • Minor core improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 2017.0.1.0 (Dec 11, 2017)

  • Fixed: settings from "Security / VBA Security" were not properly saved and restored in templates.
  • Minor core updates.

New in XLS Padlock 2017.0 (Nov 26, 2017)

  • Improved support for Windows 10 Falls Creator Update (version 1709).
  • Improved compatibility with Excel 2016 click-to-run (version 1710) and Excel 2013 click-to-run editions.
  • Fixed slow loading of protected Excel workbooks on some computers.
  • .DAT and auto-save files are no more created in the same folder as the EXE file by default. There is also a new advanced option to keep this behavior if you want.
  • "Assign macro" is now disabled if you don't allow access to VBE.
  • New advanced option: Do not disable Protect/Unprotect Sheet menu
  • New translation .SIL files available in Slovenian and Croatian.
  • New VBA helper code to retrieve XLS Padlock System ID from VBA.
  • New advanced option to disable display of debugging information in case of runtime errors detected by the VBA compiler.
  • New VBA helper code to allow other Excel instances to access secure workbook and companion files (see user guide).
  • Improved support for High DPI screens and multi-monitors.
  • Fixed: right click was sometimes no more working on worksheet tabs.
  • Fixed: sometimes, license files could not be created.
  • Fixed: validation could wrongly expire keys with a given number of runs.
  • Updated user guide (added new sections about using arrays and error handling in VBA compiler, new VBA code extensions...)
  • Updated core components.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 3.0.0.0 (Sep 11, 2017)

  • New online validation feature: ask a web server to validate the end user’s activation key before letting him access the workbook. Since it can be performed periodically, validation allows you to control the use of your Excel workbook: for instance, you can remotely block access in case of fraudulent purchases or refunds.
  • New WooCommerce integration kit: you can now sell and automate licensing of compiled Excel workbooks. Activation and validation features of XLS Padlock can be automated and fully integrated with your existing WooCommerce shop. See a fully-functional online demo. The WooCommerce Integration Kit is available for free to every XLS Padlock customer.
  • New security option: Hide Formula Bar (and disable the option so that users can't activate it again in the secure Excel session).
  • New feature: secure save files can be configured to be readable only on the computer they were saved on (hardware-locking).
  • New feature: clear activation data. Lets you remove activation keys on your local computer for testing purposes.
  • When selecting a secure save file, if the user chooses Cancel, the EXE goes back to the previous dialog box (where the user can choose what to do).
  • The Print option is now disabled when print is forbidden.
  • Users must confirm now when they save over an existing save file (prompt for overwriting save files).
  • Optimized loading of secure workbooks.
  • The "Protect Sheet" context menu command is now disabled.
  • Disabled "Share" button on Excel 2016.
  • Improved disabling of UI controls for all Excel versions.
  • The QAT (Quick Access Toolbar) is now always reset in a secure Excel session (can be disabled in the XLS Padlock's Advanced Options).
  • Several Excel constants are now properly recognized by the VBA compiler.
  • The secure Excel session will no more open workbooks executed from Windows Explorer. Instead, they will be opened in a new Excel instance.
  • New VBA API related to online validation.
  • Updated user guide.
  • Updated core components.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 2.1.1.0 (Dec 5, 2015)

  • Added loading animation to "loading workbook" dialog box.
  • New Advanced option to set the delay before displaying the Reload button on "loading workbook" dialog box. This is useful if you have large workbooks that require more than 5 seconds to load.
  • Fixed: the EULA dialog box was not correctly localized.
  • Fixed regression in VBA code compiler: "Invalid variant operation when evaluating instruction OperAdd".
  • Excel core add-ins updated for Excel 2016.
  • Updated user guide.
  • Minor fixes.

New in XLS Padlock 2.1.0.0 (Oct 21, 2015)

  • Full support for Excel 2016 (retail and Office 365), both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
  • New License Agreement or EULA dialog box at startup: you can display your own End User License Agreement before opening the compiled workbook. End users must accept this agreement once prior to using the workbook.
  • New "Use faster compression algorithm" feature: use it if you prefer to give priority to workbook loading speed rather to EXE size.
  • New "Prevent loading/saving other workbooks" security feature.
  • XLS Padlock is now accessible from the Excel context menu if your Excel workbook is configured to hide all ribbons.
  • New French and Dutch languages.
  • New Advanced Option: Show Developer Tab.
  • New Advanced Option (for users who get ERegistryException error): Use another registry key for storing activation data.
  • New VBA API to save non encrypted workbooks.
  • New VBA API to detect if the secured worbook is in trial state or not.
  • Fixed: "Save As" dialog not expected in Excel 2007.
  • Fixed: when "ribbons and toolbars" are disabled, table and picture ribbons were still visible.
  • Updated VBA code snippets in the user guide to avoid the "Subscript out of range" VBA error.
  • Enhanced user guide.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 2.0.0.0 (Jun 25, 2015)

  • Initial support for Excel 2016 preview (retail and Office 365), both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
  • Applications are officially compatible with Windows 10.
  • New: support for alpha-blended PNG images - non-rectangular splash screens. Use 32-bit PNG to benefit from semi-transparency.
  • New option "Prevent access to VBA editor" in addition to "Lock VBA Project".
  • New: you can set a maximum version of Excel compatible with your workbook.
  • New: you can display a nag screen for trial versions. The nag screen can also show remaining evaluation time for instance.
  • New "show nag screen" option in activation key generator.
  • New VBA API to suggest save filenames.
  • New VBA API to save encrypted Excel workbooks from VBA.
  • Improved expiration date algorithm.
  • Updated compression routines to make loading faster.
  • Improved loading time and formula protection.
  • New troubleshooting options available for advanced users and specific workbooks.
  • New option Perform a workbook recalculation at startup (formula protection troubleshooting).
  • New: a "Purchase Key Online" button can be displayed on the nag screen, opening the user's web browser to a dedicated page and passing the unique system ID.
  • Fixed "Custom UI XML" error(s) when loading workbooks.
  • Fixed "The password you entered is not correct" error while loading workbooks with specific locale.
  • Fixed Enky SL dongles month expiration date bug.
  • Fixed access violation error when application title was set to "MY APPLICATION%SAVEFILENAME%" for instance.
  • Updated user guide.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 1.4.0.0 (Sep 5, 2014)

  • New: "Lock VBA Project (simple VBA protection)" lets you prevent access to the VBA project of your workbooks secured by XLS Padlock.
  • New: a "Get Key Online" button can be displayed on the activation screen, opening the user's web browser to a dedicated page and passing the unique system ID.
  • New: Decrypt Save File - lets you restore a save file (.XLSC) of the compiled Excel workbook without running it. Can restore saves created with versions prior to v1.3.0.
  • New: EXE Code signing. You can digitally sign your protected Excel workbook EXE files with a code signing certificate. This lets you disable the "Unknown publisher" warning and reduce possible false positives from antivirus programs.
  • New: make Setup programs for your protected Excel workbooks. This will require Paquet Builder, our installer tool software.
  • Fixed: "Do Not Disable Add-In" list was read-only.
  • Fixed: file version in EXE was always set to 1.0.0.0.
  • Updated user guide.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 1.3.3.0 (Mar 28, 2014)

  • New feature: hide "Loading workbook" dialog box.
  • New key generator PHP SDK: generate activation keys for your compiled Excel workbooks directly from your website or application.
  • New online live demonstration with a compiled workbook and online generation of activation keys.
  • Fixed: some USB sticks were not recognized by 64-bit applications.
  • Improved detection of corrupted saves or saves not compatible with compiled application.
  • Updated user guide.
  • Minor changes.

New in XLS Padlock 1.3.2.0 (Feb 20, 2014)

  • New feature: you can compile additional files for your workbook in the EXE file (Companion files).
  • New feature: support for external files (in HYPERLINK Excel functions and VBA code). See the user guide (8th paragraph).
  • New feature: Excel's workbook opening password protection can be used internally to enhance workbook security.
  • Fixed: USB protection was broken.
  • Updated user guide.
  • Minor changes.

New in XLS Padlock 1.3.1.1 (Feb 10, 2014)

  • Fixed access violation in Excel 2007 while shutting down Excel, if the protected workbook was closed before.

New in XLS Padlock 1.3.1.0 (Feb 7, 2014)

  • New Security option: Do not prompt users for filename when saving (only useful if you use VBA events to handle save yourself).
  • Fixed: the "Developer" tab is now hidden when "Disable all ribbons and toolbars" is active.

New in XLS Padlock 1.3.0.0 (Feb 3, 2014)

  • New feature: users can now save their changes in secure Excel files at any time.
  • Fixed false positive detection problems with Norton antivirus.
  • Fixed "Cannot create storage folder" error on some computers with restrictive user rights.
  • Minor changes.

New in XLS Padlock 1.2.1.0 (Dec 30, 2013)

  • Fixed "invalid Windows image" bug when creating 32-bit applications with Excel 64-bit.
  • Improved loading time.
  • Minor changes.

New in XLS Padlock 1.2.0.0 (Dec 30, 2013)

  • New option to store activation data in an external file (portable mode) and not in Windows registry.
  • New EXE customization options: you can use your own icon and version info for the EXE file, without having a custom build.
  • Localization is now supported for applications: you can customize texts and use your own translation files. For instance, you can now translate your application in your own language.
  • Stand-alone key generator available to registered users.
  • New -del command line option for applications to erase local saves.
  • Improvement: when someone tries to use the exe with an Excel version that is not recent enough, in the error message box, the release name of the version (Excel 2010, 2013...) is displayed instead of the version number (12, 14...).
  • Fixed problem with "ALLOW PRINT OPERATIONS" and activation keys.
  • Fixed possible activation key generation problems on some computers.
  • Updated user guide.

New in XLS Padlock 1.1.2.0 (Dec 30, 2013)

  • Fixed crash with Excel versions shipped with Microsoft Office 365 (32-bit).
  • New progress bar displayed with the splash screen (useful when loading very large Excel documents).
  • Improved formula refresh in some Excel versions.
  • Updated user guide.
  • Minor improvements.

New in XLS Padlock 1.1.0.0 (Dec 30, 2013)

  • New VBA code compiler that lets you transform your VBA code in macros into bytecode. Thus, your existing VBA code cannot be copied by end users and is secured.
  • XLS Padlock now creates smaller EXE files (saving several MBs): Excel worksheets and additional helper files are compressed during compilation.
  • Stability improvements with different Excel versions. For optimal use, make sure you and your customers always work with latest Excel security updates and Service Packs.
  • New generic USB stick locking copy-protection: you can associate your secured workbook to one or more USB sticks, so that they can only run if the correct USB stick is plugged in.
  • You can now forbid "copy to clipboard" and "right click" menu in worksheets.
  • New security option: "disable all ribbons and toolbars" that removes all ribbons or toolbars (only for Excel 2007 and later).
  • When Excel is busy at startup, a dialog box is displayed, allowing end users to retry loading the protected workbook.
  • Applications now remember the last saving directory when you choose to load an existing save (XLSC file).
  • Applications can now display the save's filename (XLSC file) in the application's titlebar.
  • Improved support for Excel 2007. Excel 2007 SP3 is required for optimal use.
  • Added support for other Excel add-ins such as Powerpivot. You can define which add-ins should be allowed or not.
  • New command-line support for applications: -load and -reset
  • New XLS Padlock Manager to repair a damaged XLS Padlock installation or if XLS Padlock met an unexpected crash (and was disabled by Excel after user confirmation).
  • Updated user guide.
  • Several improvements and bug fixes.