Have you ever encountered a password-protected Excel spreadsheet that you needed to access but couldn’t? It can be frustrating and time-consuming when you’re unable to open a file that contains important data or information. However, there are several methods you can try to unlock a password-protected Excel spreadsheet. In this blog post, we will explore different methods that you can use to gain access to your password-protected files. Whether you forgot the password or inherited a locked spreadsheet, these methods will help you regain access to your data and save you from hours of frustrating attempts.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Unlock An Excel Spreadsheet That Is Password Protected
There are several reasons why you may need to unlock or remove the password from an Excel spreadsheet. Some common scenarios include:
1. Forgotten Password: You may have created the password long ago and have since forgotten it. In such cases, unlocking the spreadsheet becomes necessary to access the data.
2. Inherited a Locked Spreadsheet: You may have received a password-protected spreadsheet from a colleague or a client, and the password was not shared with you. Unlocking the file is necessary to view or edit its contents.
3. Collaborative Work: If you’re working on a project with multiple team members, sharing a password-protected spreadsheet can hinder collaboration. Unlocking it allows for seamless file access and editing.
Now, let’s dive into different methods you can use to unlock an Excel spreadsheet that is password protected.
Method 1: Using Excel’s Native Features
Excel provides native features that allow you to set and remove passwords from spreadsheets. Before attempting any other methods, try using Excel’s built-in features to unlock your password-protected spreadsheet. Here are the steps:
1. Open Excel and navigate to the password-protected spreadsheet.
2. Click on the "File" tab at the top-left corner of the Excel window.
3. In the drop-down menu, click on "Protect Workbook" and then select "Encrypt with Password".
4. A dialog box will appear, displaying asterisks in the password field. Delete the asterisks and click "OK" without entering any new password.
5. Save the file and close Excel.
When you reopen the file, it shouldn’t prompt you for a password. If this method doesn’t work for your spreadsheet, don’t worry, there are other methods you can try.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process for removing passwords from Excel spreadsheets.
2. No need for any additional software or tools.
3. Works on most versions of Excel.
Cons:
1. May not work if the spreadsheet has a complex or strong password.
2. Could potentially result in data loss, so make sure to create a backup of your file before attempting this method.
Method 2: Via VBA Macros
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is a programming language used in Excel. By leveraging VBA macros, you can unlock password-protected Excel spreadsheets. Here’s how:
1. Open Excel and press "Alt + F11" to open the VBA editor.
2. In the VBA editor, click on "Insert" in the menu and select "Module" to insert a new module.
3. Paste the following VBA code into the module:
"`
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), _
vbInformation, "Password Found"
Exit Sub
End If
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
End Sub
"`
4. Close the VBA editor.
5. Press "Alt + F8" to open the "Macro" dialog box.
6. Select the "PasswordBreaker" macro and click "Run".
7. The macro will attempt to break the password protection. If successful, it will display a message with the password found.
Note: This method only works if the password is not too complex.
Pros:
1. Can potentially unlock password-protected spreadsheets with complex passwords.
2. Doesn’t require any additional software.
Cons:
1. May take a significant amount of time depending on the complexity of the password.
2. Could potentially result in data loss or corruption if not executed correctly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Can potentially unlock password-protected spreadsheets with complex passwords. | 1. May take a significant amount of time depending on the complexity of the password. |
| 2. Doesn’t require any additional software. | 2. Could potentially result in data loss or corruption if not executed correctly. |
Method 3: Using Third-Party Password Recovery Tools
If the previous methods didn’t work or you don’t have the required technical expertise, you can use third-party password recovery tools to unlock your password-protected Excel spreadsheet. These tools are designed specifically for password recovery and offer a higher success rate. Here’s how:
1. Research and choose a reputable password recovery tool such as PassFab for Excel, Excel Password Recovery, or iSunshare Excel Password Genius.
2. Download and install the chosen tool on your computer.
3. Launch the software and follow the on-screen instructions to import your password-protected Excel spreadsheet.
4. Select the appropriate recovery method (brute-force attack, mask attack, dictionary attack, etc.) and configure the necessary settings.
5. Start the password recovery process and wait for the tool to find or remove the password.
6. Once the password has been recovered or removed, save the unlocked spreadsheet to a new file.
Pros:
1. High success rate in unlocking password-protected Excel spreadsheets.
2. Provides various recovery methods and options to choose from.
3. Saves time and effort compared to manual methods.
Cons:
1. In some cases, the software may not be able to recover complex passwords.
2. Some tools may require a paid license for full functionality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. High success rate in unlocking password-protected Excel spreadsheets. | 1. In some cases, the software may not be able to recover complex passwords. |
| 2. Provides various recovery methods and options to choose from. | 2. Some tools may require a paid license for full functionality. |
Method 4: Utilizing Online Password Recovery Services
If you’re not comfortable downloading and installing third-party software, or if you don’t have access to a computer, you can utilize online password recovery services. These services allow you to upload your password-protected spreadsheet to their servers and provide you with the unlocked file. Here’s how it works:
1. Search for online password recovery services such as Online Excel Password Recovery, LostMyPass, Decryptum, or Password-Find.
2. Navigate to the chosen service’s website.
3. Upload your password-protected Excel spreadsheet to the service.
4. Follow the provided instructions to initiate the recovery process.
5. Wait for the service to find or remove the password from your file.
6. Download the unlocked spreadsheet once the process is complete.
Pros:
1. Convenient and accessible from any device with an internet connection.
2. No need to install software or have technical expertise.
3. Works well for simple and complex passwords.
Cons:
1. Requires you to trust the service provider with your sensitive data.
2. Some services may have file size limitations or charge fees for their services.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Convenient and accessible from any device with an internet connection. | 1. Requires you to trust the service provider with your sensitive data. |
| 2. No need to install software or have technical expertise. | 2. Some services may have file size limitations or charge fees for their services. |
What to Do If You Can’t Unlock An Excel Spreadsheet
If none of the above methods work for your password-protected Excel spreadsheet, don’t panic. There are a few alternative solutions you can try:
1. Reach out to the original creator: If you inherited the locked spreadsheet, try contacting the person who originally created it. They may be able to provide you with the password or help you unlock the file.
2. Recreate the spreadsheet: If you have a copy of the locked spreadsheet without any important or sensitive data, you can recreate it from scratch. While time-consuming, this option guarantees full access without the need for unlocking.
3. Seek professional assistance: If the data in the locked spreadsheet is critical or time-sensitive, consider consulting a professional data recovery service or an Excel expert. They have the necessary skills and tools to recover or unlock your password-protected file.
Bonus Tips
1. Use strong and memorable passwords: When password-protecting your Excel spreadsheets, create passwords that are difficult to guess but easy for you to remember. Avoid using common words or easily guessable patterns.
2. Regularly backup your files: It’s essential to create backups of your important files, including password-protected Excel spreadsheets. In case of accidental data loss or forgetting the password, you can always rely on a backup copy.
3. Consider encryption: If the data in your Excel spreadsheet is highly sensitive, consider encrypting the entire file instead of just using password protection. Encryption ensures that only authorized individuals can access the information.
5 FAQs
Q1: What should I do if none of the methods work?
A: If none of the methods work for your password-protected Excel spreadsheet, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance. They will have the expertise and tools to recover or unlock your file.
Q2: Can I use the same methods for unlocking password-protected Excel files on Mac?
A: Yes, the methods mentioned in this blog post can be used for unlocking password-protected Excel files on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Q3: Is it legal to use third-party password recovery tools?
A: Yes, it is legal to use third-party password recovery tools as long as you have the right to access the file. However, it’s important to use these tools responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
Q4: Will unlocking an Excel spreadsheet remove all the formulas and calculations?
A: No, unlocking an Excel spreadsheet will not remove any formulas or calculations present in the file. It only removes the password protection, allowing you full access to view and edit the content.
Q5: How can I prevent unauthorized access to my Excel spreadsheets in the future?
A: To prevent unauthorized access, you can use strong passwords or passphrases, enable file-level encryption, and restrict file access through user permissions. It’s also essential to regularly update and maintain your security practices.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking a password-protected Excel spreadsheet can be a daunting task, especially if you forgot the password or inherited a locked file. However, with the methods and tips mentioned in this blog post, you can regain access to your important data and save yourself from hours of frustration. Remember to always use passwords responsibly and take necessary precautions to protect your files from unauthorized access.