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Applies to: Microsoft Office Access 2003
The following information summarizes how macro (macro: An action or a set of actions that you can use to automate tasks. Macros are recorded in the Visual Basic for Applications programming language.) virus protection works under each setting on the Security Level tab in the Security dialog box (Tools menu, Macro submenu) under different conditions. Under all settings, if antivirus software that works with Microsoft Office 2003 is installed and the file contains macros, the file is scanned for known viruses (virus: A computer program or macro that "infects" computer files by inserting copies of itself into those files. When the infected file is loaded into memory, the virus can infect other files. Viruses often have harmful side effects.) before it is opened. Security Because macros can contain viruses, be careful about running them. Take the following precautions: run up-to-date antivirus software on your computer; set your macro security level to high; clear the Trust all installed add-ins and templates check box; use digital signatures; maintain a list of trusted publishers. This setting is not available in the Security dialog box in Microsoft Office Access 2003. It is possible, however, to use system policies to set the security level in Access to Very High. When the security level is set to Very High, Access cannot open any Access database (Microsoft Access database: A collection of data and objects (such as tables, queries, or forms) that is related to a particular topic or purpose.) or Access project (Microsoft Access project: An Access file that connects to a Microsoft SQL Server database and is used to create client/server applications. A project file doesn't contain any data or data-definition-based objects such as tables and views.) files. Unsigned macrosThe file can be opened only if the user chooses to trust the author and certification authority. Signed macros The source of the macro and the status of the signature (digital signature: An electronic, encryption-based, secure stamp of authentication on a macro or document. This signature confirms that the macro or document originated from the signer and has not been altered.) determine how signed macros are handled.
Macros are automatically enabled, and the file is opened.
A dialog box is displayed with information about the certificate (digital certificate: Attachment for a file, macro project, or e-mail message that vouches for authenticity, provides secure encryption, or supplies a verifiable signature. To digitally sign macro projects, you must install a digital certificate.). The file can be opened only if the user chooses to trust the author and certification authority. A network administrator can lock the list of trusted sources and prevent the user from adding the developer to the list and opening the file.
The signature might not be valid due to several reasons. For more information on files and VBA projects with invalid signatures, see the Help topic Troubleshoot macro security level and warnings. User is warned that signature is invalid, and the file is not opened.
User is warned that signature validation is not possible, and the file is not opened.
User is warned that the signature has expired or been revoked, and the file is not opened. Unsigned macros User is prompted to open the database or cancel the operation. If the user chooses to cancel the operation, the database is not opened.Signed macros The source of the macro and the status of the signature (digital signature: An electronic, encryption-based, secure stamp of authentication on a macro or document. This signature confirms that the macro or document originated from the signer and has not been altered.) determine how signed macros are handled.
Macros are automatically enabled, and the file is opened.
A dialog box is displayed with information about the certificate. The user is prompted to open the file or cancel the operation. The user can choose to trust the developer and certification authority. If the user chooses to cancel the operation, then the file is not opened.
The signature might not be valid due to several reasons. For more information on files and VBA projects with invalid signatures, see the Help topic Troubleshoot macro security level and warnings. User is warned that signature validation is not possible. User is prompted to open the file or cancel the operation. If the user chooses to cancel the operation, then the file is not opened. User is warned that the signature has expired or been revoked. User is prompted to open the file or cancel the operation. If the user chooses to cancel the operation, then the file is not opened. When security it set to low, all macros are treated equally, regardless of origin or certificate status. With low security, you receive no prompt or signature validation, and macros are automatically enabled. Use this setting only if you are certain that all macros in your files are from trusted sources. |
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