FloQast is not be able to read Excel files that have been password protected. Just like a user couldn't open the file without the password, we will also be blocked from opening the file to inspect the contents and pull in your #fq references and balances.
However, password protected files are very common and we see many teams utilize them. There's just some info that is for certain eyes only, and you only want the balance sheet totals visible to the team at large!
What we recommend in this scenario is a lead sheet. The lead sheet should be a completely separate file that is NOT password protected. Using a VLOOKUP or similar formula, you can pull only the ending balance onto the lead sheet. Then you can host your #fq references there. FloQast will read your lead sheet and pull in the balances, while the full detail workbook and all of its sensitive contents remains protected. Both files should be saved in the same folder in your cloud storage.