Excel is one of the most commonly used software in offices and homes alike. It is a powerful tool that can be used to create, manage and manipulate data. Often, when we deal with sensitive information, we protect our Excel sheets with passwords. However, what if one day, we forget the password, or the person who protected the sheet is unavailable? This is where this blog post comes in handy. In this blog, we will discuss several ways for you to unlock a protected Excel sheet without the password.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Unlock A Protected Excel Sheet without The Password
You may have encountered a protected Excel sheet that you cannot edit. It can be frustrating, especially if you need to edit the data urgently. You may want to unlock the sheet, but you don’t have the password. This can be a big challenge for you, as you may not be able to access the data you need. Fortunately, there are ways to unlock the sheet without the password.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we get started, here are a few things you should prepare for:
1. A protected Excel sheet
2. A computer with Microsoft Excel installed
3. Internet access
Method 1: Using ZIP
This method involves changing the file extension of the Excel sheet from XLSX to ZIP and then modifying the XML file that contains the password information.
1. Make a copy of the protected Excel sheet and change its file extension from XLSX to ZIP.
2. Right-click the ZIP file and select "Extract All".
3. Open the extracted folder and navigate to the "xl" folder.
4. Inside the "xl" folder, you will find a file called "workbook.xml". Open it with a text editor.
5. Look for the line that reads "\
9. Rename the zipped folder with the original Excel file extension.
10. Open the newly renamed Excel file, and the password protection should have been removed.
Pros:
– Doesn’t require installation of additional software.
– The password can be removed directly from the Excel sheet.
Cons:
– It may be confusing for novice users.
– Modifying the file may cause it to be corrupt if not done properly.
Method 2: Using VBA Code
This method involves using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code to remove the password protection from the Excel sheet.
1. Open the protected Excel sheet, press "Alt + F11" to open the VBA editor.
2. Right-click in the project explorer and choose "Insert" –> "Module".
3. Copy and paste the following code:
"`
Sub PasswordBreaker()
‘Breaks worksheet password protection.
Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer
Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer
Dim i1 As Integer, i2 As Integer, i3 As Integer
Dim i4 As Integer, i5 As Integer, i6 As Integer
On Error Resume Next
For i = 65 To 66: For j = 65 To 66: For k = 65 To 66
For l = 65 To 66: For m = 65 To 66: For i1 = 65 To 66
For i2 = 65 To 66: For i3 = 65 To 66: For i4 = 65 To 66
For i5 = 65 To 66: For i6 = 65 To 66: For n = 32 To 126
ActiveSheet.Unprotect Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & _
Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & _
Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)
If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
MsgBox "One usable password is " & Chr(i) & Chr(j) & _
Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & _
Chr(i3) & Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)
Exit Sub
End If
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
End Sub
"`
4. Press F5 to run the code.
5. The program will check all possible combinations of passwords and display the usable password in a dialog box when it finds one.
Pros:
– The VBA code is effective in breaking passwords.
– You don’t need third-party tools or software to run the code.
Cons:
– The method works only on Excel files with .xls extension.
– The code may take some time to execute, especially for long passwords.
Method 3: Using Passper for Excel
This method involves using third-party software, Passper for Excel, to unlock the protected Excel sheet.
1. Download and install Passper for Excel on your computer.
2. Launch the program and select "Recover Passwords".
3. Click "Add" to import the protected Excel file.
4. Select the attack mode you want to use (dictionary, combination, or mask).
5. Click "Start" to begin the password recovery process.
6. Once the password is recovered, use it to unlock the Excel sheet.
Pros:
– Passper for Excel has a high success rate in unlocking Excel sheets.
– The software supports all versions of Excel.
Cons:
– The software is not free, and you need to purchase a license to use it.
– You need to get permission from the Excel sheet owner before using third-party software.
Why Can’t I Unlock A Protected Excel Sheet without The Password?
1. You may be using the wrong password.
Fix: Try entering the password again, making sure that the Caps Lock and Num Lock keys are turned off.
2. The Excel sheet may be protected with a digital signature.
Fix: Contact the person who protected the sheet and ask for the digital signature password.
3. The Excel sheet may be protected with third-party software.
Fix: Use the appropriate third-party software to remove the password protection.
Additional Tips
– Always make a copy of the protected Excel sheet before attempting to remove the password protection.
– Use strong passwords to protect your Excel sheets.
– Password-protect your Excel sheets only if necessary.
5 FAQs about Unlocking A Protected Excel Sheet without The Password
Q1: What do I do if the VBA code fails to recover the password?
A: If the VBA code fails to recover the password, try running the code again with a different attack mode.
Q2: Can I use the same method to unlock Excel sheets created on a Mac?
A: Yes, you can use the same methods to unlock Excel sheets created on a Mac.
Q3: Can I use the VBA code on Excel files with .xlsx extension?
A: No, the VBA code works only on Excel files with .xls extension.
Q4: What is the success rate of Passper for Excel in unlocking passwords?
A: Passper for Excel has a high success rate in unlocking passwords.
Q5: Do I need administrative privileges to unlock a protected Excel sheet?
A: No, you don’t need administrative privileges to unlock a protected Excel sheet.
In Conclusion
Losing or forgetting an Excel password may seem like a big problem, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we discussed several ways to unlock protected Excel sheets without the password. Whether you use ZIP, VBA or Passper for Excel, there is a way to unlock your Excel sheet. Remember to always keep your passwords safe and secure, and use password protection only when necessary.