How to add a digital signature to a custom macro project in Office 2003 and Office XP

This article describes how to add a digital signature to your macro project.

You digitally sign a file or a macro project, so that users who run the macro can be assured of the identity of the creator of the macro and that the macro has not been altered since it was created. Because virus-like behavior can be created by using macros, digital signatures offer a safe way to continue the use of macros.

Using Digital Signatures

A digital signature is 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. When you add a signature to a macro, you use a digital certificate, which is an attachment for a file, macro project, or e-mail message that vouches for the authenticity of the macro, provides secure encryption, or supplies a verifiable signature.

Adding a Digital Signature to a Macro Project

1. Open the file that contains the macro project that you want to sign.
2. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and then click Visual Basic Editor.
3. In the Project Explorer, select the project that you want to sign.
4. On the Tools menu, click Digital Signature.
5. Do one of the following:
   
   
   • If you did not select a digital certificate, or if you want to use a different digital certificate, click Choose, select the certificate that you want, and then click OK twice.
   • Use the current certificate, and then click OK.