Microsoft blocks macros on my Wyocloud file

Table of Contents

1. Why does this happen?
2. How can I minimize security threats?
3. Set the file up so it can run on your computer
   1. Unblocking a single file
   2. Setting up a trusted location
   3. Verify the format and location to run in the future

Why this happens

By default, Microsoft blocks macros from untrusted sources to protect users from potential malware and security risks associated with macro-enabled files.  This is because macros are small programs that are embedded in Microsoft Office files (such as Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.). Files with macros can automate tasks.  While this can be very useful, they can also be exploited by attackers to run malicious code on your computer.  

With this in mind, Microsoft introduced this security feature to block macros from running in files downloaded from the internet or received from e-mail unless you trust the source from which you're running the file.  This was introduced in a broader effort to protect users from malware and ransomware attacks. 

Maintaining Security

Since files containing macros are subject to exploits by nefarious actors, it's important we scrutinize any file we allow to run on our computers. 

DO NOT:

1. DO NOT "enable all macros" since this would  allow any macro to run on your computer and reduce protection for every Microsoft office file you open on the computer.
2. DO NOT run or open any file you're not sure comes from a trusted source.  

There are a few things you should always do before deciding to trust a file:  

1. Look at the file format and verify format by ensuring the file is saved in a macro-enabled format (e.g., Microsoft files with macros should have the standard format type with an "m" instead of an "x" at the end of the document type postfix.  Ex: Spreadsheet.xlsm, instead of Spreadsheet.xlsx, or  Wordtext.docm instead of Wordtext.docx).
   If you expect an excel file, and you've been provided a completely different file type (such as a .exe - an executable) that file should NOT be opened.

2. Make sure you trust the location from which the file was obtained.  If you downloaded from the internet, be sure the location from which it was downloaded is one you trust.  For example, files downloaded from WyoCloud should typically come from a subsite accessed from the Wyocloud/Wyoweb HCM portal in wyoweb (shown in the screenshot below)
   

3. If the file was e-mailed to you, make sure you've checked the e-mail address from which it was sent, to make sure you trust the source and have verified it came from the e-mail address you're expecting.  

To allow a trusted file to run on your computer

1. Unblock the file

Warning: You should only unblock files from reliable sources to maintain security. 

1. Close the file displaying the macro block warning.

2. If necessary unprotect the workbook by going into file->info->protect workbook->unprotect

3. Right-click on the file and select Properties.

4. Under the General tab, locate the Security section.

5. Check the box for Unblock and click Apply, then OK.

6. Reopen the file to verify if the macros are now enabled.

2. Add a Trusted Location

WARNING: If all your files containing macros are in a specific location, you should only add it as a trusted location if you've deliberately set it up to be a trusted location/folder and trust the source of all files contained within.

1. Open the application (e.g., Excel, Word) where the macro is blocked.

2. Go to File > Options (usually found at the bottom of the menu)
   

3. Select Trust Center from the left menu, then click Trust Center Settings.
   

4. Navigate to Trusted Locations.

5. Click Add new location and specify the folder path where the file is stored.  This should be a specific location or folder you've selected to store trusted files containing macros.  

6. Check the box for Subfolders of this location are also trusted if that's needed.

7. Click OK to save the settings.

3. Verify File Format and Location

1. Verify the file format (e.g., .xlsm, .docm).

2. Confirm the file is stored in a trusted network location or folder.

3. Test it runs successfully by opening it and running the macro.