How to protect a word document from being copied or printed?

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by hankach, Nov 1, 2007.

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  1. hankach

    hankach Registered Member

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    Hi All ,

    What is the solution to protect a word document from being copied from the place where you want to install it , a hard drive of a certain computer or a floppy ,it means that the persons can access, read but cant copy its contents nor the whole document sheet itself. Better to say you can select a paragraph or all but copying when you right click isnt allowed neither when you right click the whole document .
    Also even after opening that file , he shall not be able to print a copy of it .
    Sometimes you need to handle a file on a floppy or to install it on the computer of someone enabling him just to read but not to steal your work.

    Any solution, soft or trick ?
    Thank you very much for your support.
     
    hankach, Nov 1, 2007
    #1
  2. Coldmoon

    Coldmoon Returnil Moderator

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    Coldmoon, Nov 1, 2007
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  3. hankach

    hankach Registered Member

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    Actually this is a known way to protect editing of the document but still can be copied and printed easily .
    Anyhow, thank you .
     
    hankach, Nov 1, 2007
    #3
  4. Rmus

    Rmus Exploit Analyst

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    I know people who convert a Word document to a .pdf file, which allows the restrictions you mention.

    Open a .pdf file and go to File|Document Properties|Security to see the options.

    Remember, though, that anyone who wants to "steal" your work can just memorize relevant portions, or write them out in longhand. Also, the person can use the Windows PrintScreen to create an image of any document.

    ---
    rich
     
    Rmus, Nov 1, 2007
    #4
  5. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    In Word and PDF files, there are password systems, but generally the lock the file, and would also prevent reading.

    If you don't want the document stolen, forget floppies, don't let anyone on your computer, and don't let the access the file. Print the relevant things you want them to see and give it to them.

    Once you let them read it, they've got it.
     
    Peter2150, Nov 2, 2007
    #5
  6. hankach

    hankach Registered Member

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    Thats true after i opened the pdf file ,properties it had security limitations, any recommendations of such free programs to convert with options ?

    Thank you .
     
    hankach, Nov 2, 2007
    #6
  7. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    It's that important, and you are worried about free. Doesn't make sense to me.
     
    Peter2150, Nov 2, 2007
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  8. hankach

    hankach Registered Member

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    What's the payable software that you recommend then?
     
    hankach, Nov 2, 2007
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  9. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    Okay I tested it. Nuance's Professional PDF converter.
    http://www.nuance.com/pdfconverter/

    It will allow you to convert a document into a pdf file. You apply two passwords. One protects it from opening, the other protects against printing, modifying etc.

    If you were two apply both, then the document can't be opened by anything without the password. You could give someone the first password, in which case they could open it, but couldn't print or modify it.

    You can add a signature to the document so its part of the document.

    Just remember nothing is fool proof. If you gave me the document, and the password to open it to view, it's mine. All I'd need to do is a screen capture, print the picture, rescan it and convert it back into text.

    The only really secure thing, is don't share it.
     
    Peter2150, Nov 2, 2007
    #9
  10. hankach

    hankach Registered Member

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    Thank you very much for the help .
     
    hankach, Nov 3, 2007
    #10
  11. nanana1

    nanana1 Frequent Poster

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    Okay I tested it. Nuance's Professional PDF converter.
    hxxp://www.nuance.com/pdfconverter/

    Nice find, Pete, I recommend the award-winning pdfFactory Pro.
    Enabling the PDF Security there also allows you to set password for opening
    allow read/edit, etc.

    What its website says,

    Security: Encrypt and control access to PDF files as follows:

    Prevent printing PDFs
    Prevent copying text and graphics
    Prevent opening without a password
    Prevent editing (yes, PDFs can be edited)
     
    nanana1, Nov 3, 2007
    #11
  12. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    I've used Nuance products for several years, Paperport, omnipage, etc. They are all top of the line.
     
    Peter2150, Nov 3, 2007
    #12
  13. lucas1985

    lucas1985 Retired Moderator

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    Any decent PDF printer offers password protection/encryption of files. BullZip PDF Printer
     
    lucas1985, Nov 3, 2007
    #13
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