How to Enable Macros in EZchef
EZchef uses Microsoft Excel macros to perform many of the automated functions that make the workbook operate like a restaurant management software application rather than a standard spreadsheet.
Macros are used for tasks such as changing worksheet views, sorting information, linking values between worksheets, performing calculations, updating costs, and running other automated EZchef functions.
Because macros contain executable code, Microsoft Excel protects users by disabling them unless the workbook is trusted. You should enable macros only in EZchef files that you received from EZchef or another source you trust.
EZchef Requires Microsoft Excel for Windows
EZchef is designed to run using the desktop version of Microsoft Excel in Windows. The program relies on VBA macros and other Excel functionality that are essential to the operation of the software.
For additional software and system requirements, see the EZchef Frequently Asked Questions.
How to Enable Macros When You Open EZchef
When you open an EZchef workbook, Microsoft Excel may display a security message indicating that macros or active content have been disabled.
- Open the EZchef workbook in Microsoft Excel for Windows.
- If Excel displays a yellow Security Warning or Message Bar, review the message and confirm that you recognize and trust the EZchef file.
- Click Enable Content.
- If Excel asks whether you want to trust the document, confirm the prompt.
Once the workbook has been trusted, Excel may remember that decision and allow the EZchef macros to run when you reopen the same file.
Important: Do not enable macros in Excel files from unknown or untrusted sources. Macros can contain executable code, so Microsoft intentionally blocks them until you decide that the file is safe.
If Excel Blocks the EZchef File Completely
Windows may mark files downloaded from the internet, received through email, or transferred from another computer as potentially unsafe. When this happens, Excel may block the macros rather than showing the normal Enable Content option.
If you know that the EZchef file came from a trusted source, you can check whether Windows has blocked the file:
- Close the EZchef workbook and Microsoft Excel.
- Open Windows File Explorer and locate the EZchef file.
- Right-click the file and select Properties.
- On the General tab, look near the bottom of the window for a Security message stating that the file came from another computer and might be blocked.
- If an Unblock option appears, select it.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Reopen the EZchef file in Microsoft Excel.
Only unblock a file when you know and trust its source.
Create a Trusted Location for EZchef
If you use EZchef regularly, you can create a dedicated Trusted Location in Microsoft Excel. Files stored in a Trusted Location can run their active content without requiring you to approve the macros each time the workbook is opened.
Microsoft recommends using Trusted Locations only for files that you know are safe. A dedicated folder used only for your EZchef files is preferable to trusting a broad location that contains unrelated files.
- Open Microsoft Excel.
- Select File and then Options.
- Select Trust Center.
- Click Trust Center Settings.
- Select Trusted Locations.
- Click Add new location.
- Click Browse and select or create a folder where you will keep your EZchef files.
- If you want folders inside that EZchef folder to be trusted as well, select Subfolders of this location are also trusted.
- Click OK to save the Trusted Location.
- Save and open your EZchef files from that trusted folder.
Microsoft Excel will allow trusted files in that location to run without the normal macro security warning.
Do Not Enable All Macros Globally
Microsoft Excel includes a Trust Center option that can enable all VBA macros. Microsoft identifies this setting as not recommended because it allows macro code to run without the normal security protections.
You do not need to enable all macros globally to use EZchef. Enabling the trusted EZchef workbook or using a dedicated Trusted Location provides a more controlled approach.
If You Cannot Change the Macro Settings
Some businesses, universities, government organizations, and other managed computer environments control Microsoft Office security through administrative policies. If the Trust Center settings are unavailable or EZchef macros remain blocked after following the steps above, your computer may be managed by an IT administrator.
In that situation, contact your organization’s IT support and explain that EZchef is an Excel-based application that requires VBA macros to run.
Still Having Trouble Running EZchef?
If you have confirmed that you are using Microsoft Excel for Windows, have enabled the trusted EZchef workbook, and the macros still do not operate correctly, please contact EZchef for assistance.
When contacting us, it is helpful to include the version of Windows and Microsoft Excel you are using, along with the exact security warning or error message displayed on your screen.