Why does Excel indicate the digital signature or certificate is expired when using a template published by Event 1 Software?

Background

The functionality of some of the Excel templates developed by Event 1 Software is provided by Excel macros.  Microsoft recognizes that macros may contain viruses and so unknown macros are disabled by default.  Macros that are signed by a trusted publisher however are enabled.  For this reason, Event 1 Software has applied a digital signature to each Excel template that is bundled with its software products.

Issue

Excel templates distributed with software before November 22, 2010, contain a digital signature having an expiration date of November 21, 2010.  Unlike the digital signature applied by Event 1 Software today, this older signature does not automatically enable macros to work past the expiration date.

Resolution

Option 1 - Obtain Updated Templates
Updated templates containing a new current digital signature can be obtained by downloading and installing the current version of your Event 1 Software product.  The digital signature applied to all current templates will continue to allow macros to be used even after the expiration date of the digital certificate.  Use the following information to obtain the current version of your product(s):

  • Forecast
    1. Start Forecast Manager
    2. Click the Help menu and then click Check for Software Updates
    Alternatively, click here to download the latest release.
  • Liberty Reports
    1. Start Excel
    2. On the Liberty Reports toolbar, click Edit Program Options
    3. Click Software Updates and then click Check for updates now
    Alternatively, click here to download the latest release.
  • Office Connector Import
    1. Start Excel
    2. On the Office Connector Import toolbar, click Show Control Panel
    3. Click Program and then click Check for Update
    Alternatively, click here to download the latest release.
  • Office Connector Query & Write
    1. Start Excel
    2. On the Office Connector toolbar, click Edit Preferences
    3. Click Check for updates now
    Alternatively, click here to download the latest release.
  • Office Connector Starter
    Contact Sage Construction and Real Estate customer support. Click here.

Option 2 - Use Existing Templates with Expired Signature
Excel workbooks created from templates having the November 21, 2010 expiration date can still be used by following the applicable instructions based on your version of Excel.  These steps would need to be followed each and every time you use a workbook or template containing the expired signature.

  • Excel 2010 & above

    In the Security Warning bar (just below the ribbon and above the worksheet), click Enable Content.
    If you would like to see more details about the security warning in order to confirm it applies to this scenario, click on the text starting with "Some active content has been disabled", click Enable Content and then click Advanced Options.