Open Older Workbook Version In Newer Workbook Version

I have a workbook that I secure with XLSPadlock and distribute it to clients. I have released a few versions over the past couple years.

Currently, when opening an older version of the workbook with the newest version, the older version of the workbook opens. Is there is way to open the the save files in the latest version of the workbook I release? In other words, is there a way to open a Version 1 save file in Version 2 of the secure workbook?

By default, XLS Padlock’s Full Save mode (.XLSC files) encrypts and stores an exact snapshot of your workbook at the moment the user saves. When you ship a new EXE, that old snapshot still contains the entire workbook—including the old VBA code and sheet structure—so loading it will always restore the previous version rather than merge with your updates.

If you only need to persist user-entered data (not the whole workbook), use the Cell Values mode (.XLSCE). In this mode you pre-define which cells’ values should be saved; when the new EXE runs, it loads the latest workbook structure then overwrites only those cells with users’ last entries. This way your new features and fixes are always present, and clients still see their data.

1. In the XLS Padlock ribbon, go to Workbook Saving / Loading.
2. Under Save Mode, choose Save defined cell values only (.XLSCE).
3. In Excel, define the cells to be saved (select every cell (or named range) you want preserved and right click > XLS Padlock > mark the cells to be saved).
4. Recompile and distribute the new EXE.

Clients can then load any old .XLSCE file in the new EXE and get both their prior data and your updated workbook.

Finally, there is also another scenario where you work with two workbooks: the main one, and a second workbook used to save/restore user data.
This is explained here: