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1.3.4 Write Protection

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The application of password-based write protection for Office binary documents is specified in section 2.4.2. Write-protected binary documents vary according to the file format. A summary of each type follows:

  • The Excel Binary File Format (.xls) [MS-XLS]: The password is converted to a 16-bit password verifier, stored in the document as described in [MS-XLS], and the document is then encrypted as described in [MS-XLS] and in this specification. If the user does not supply an encryption password, a fixed password is used.

  • The Word (.doc) Binary File Format [MS-DOC]: The password is stored in the clear, as described in [MS-DOC], and the document is not encrypted.

  • The PowerPoint (.ppt) Binary File Format [MS-PPT]: The password is stored in the clear, as described in [MS-PPT], and the document can then be encrypted as described in [MS-PPT] and in this specification. If encryption is used and the user does not supply an encryption password, a fixed password is used.