Have you ever lost a password to an Excel file? It can be frustrating when you have important data saved in a file, and you can’t access it just because you have forgotten the password. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get back into the file. In this blog post, we will explore several methods for unlocking password-protected Excel files. We will also give you tips on what to do if you can’t unlock the file and provide a bonus tip for Excel users.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Unlock Password Protected Excel File
Excel is one of the most commonly used spreadsheet software in the world. It allows users to organize and analyze data in a way that is both intuitive and efficient. Password protection is often added to Excel files to keep sensitive information secure. However, password-protected Excel files can be frustrating when the user forgets or loses the password, making it impossible to access the information in the file. Unlocking the password-protected Excel file becomes necessary in such circumstances, and we are here to help.
Method 1: Using VBA Code
Excel files can be unlocked with the help of VBA code. This method involves using a simple macro to bypass the password protection. The steps to unlock the password-protected Excel file using VBA code are as follows:
1. Open the Excel file and press Alt + F11 to enter the VBA editor.
2. Go to Insert -> Module 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) & i1 & i2 & i3 & i4 & i5 & i6 & Chr(n)
If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
MsgBox "One usable password is " & Chr(i) & Chr(j) & _
Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & i1 & i2 & i3 & i4 & i5 & i6 & Chr(n)
Exit Sub
End If
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
End Sub
3. Press F5 to run the code.
4. Upon running the code, you will be prompted with a usable password.
Pros:
– It’s a free method and doesn’t require any third-party tools.
– It’s a straightforward method and can be done relatively quickly.
Cons:
– This method may not work on all Excel files.
– There is a risk of losing data if the VBA code is incorrect.
Method 2: Using Passper for Excel
Passper for Excel is a professional password recovery tool that can help users recover passwords for Excel files quickly and easily. The steps to unlock a password-protected Excel file using Passper for Excel are as follows:
1. Download and open Passper for Excel.
2. Click on the ‘+’ icon to add the locked Excel file.
3. Select an appropriate attack mode (Dictionary Attack, Combination Attack, Brute-force Attack, or Mask Attack)
4. Click on the ‘Recover’ button.
Pros:
– Passper for Excel is a fast and efficient tool for unlocking password-protected Excel files.
– It supports multiple recovery modes, making it versatile.
Cons:
– Passper for Excel is a premium tool and requires a subscription.
– There is a risk of data loss if the tool is incorrectly used.
Method 3: Using Online Password Recovery Service
Online password recovery services are another option for Excel users who need to unlock password-protected Excel files. These services work by uploading the locked file to the website, and the service will use its resources to unlock it. The steps to unlock an Excel file with an online password recovery service are as follows:
1. Go to an online password recovery service website.
2. Upload the password-protected Excel file to the website.
3. Wait for the website to process the file and provide the password.
4. Use the provided password to unlock the file.
Pros:
– Online password recovery services typically have a high success rate.
– This method doesn’t require any additional software to be installed.
Cons:
– This method can be time-consuming.
– There is a risk of the uploaded file being intercepted, resulting in a privacy breach.
What to Do If You Can’t Unlock Password Protected Excel File
If none of the above methods work for you, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Try to recall the password. It’s not uncommon for users to forget their passwords, and sometimes a little memory jog can help.
2. Use a password hint. If the password hint was set up when the file was created, it may provide a clue to the password.
3. Contact Microsoft Support. If you are still unable to unlock the file, Microsoft’s support team may be able to provide additional assistance.
Bonus Tip: Back Up Your Excel Files
The best way to prevent the loss of data due to password-protected Excel files is to back up your files regularly. By doing so, you’ll have a copy of all your files in case the original file becomes corrupted or locked.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I Unlock an Excel File on a Mac?
A: Yes, the above methods can be applied to both Windows and Mac computers.
Q2: Are There Any Free Password Recovery Tools?
A: Yes, Method 1 outlined in this article is a free password recovery tool.
Q3: Can I Remove the Password Protection Instead of Unlocking it?
A: Yes, password protection can be removed by going to File -> Info -> Protect Workbook -> Encrypt with Password, deleting the password, and then pressing OK.
Q4: How Do I Set Up a Password Hint?
A: Go to File -> Info -> Protect Workbook -> Encrypt with Password and enter your preferred password. Below the password box, you will find the ‘Password hint’ box.
Q5: How Can I Back Up My Excel Files?
A: You can back up your Excel files by uploading them to cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
Final Thoughts
While it can be frustrating to be locked out of password-protected Excel files, there are multiple methods to unlock them. The methods outlined in this article are straightforward and can help you get back to your data quickly. Remember to always back up your files, and keep your passwords safe to avoid these issues in the future.