Unprotecting an Excel workbook with a password can be necessary for various reasons. Maybe you’ve forgotten the password you set, or perhaps you’ve received a workbook from someone else that is password protected. Regardless of the situation, it can be frustrating when you’re unable to access the data and make changes to the workbook. In this blog post, we will explore different methods you can use to unprotect an Excel workbook with a password.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To unprotect an Excel workbook with a password, you will need the following:
1. Microsoft Excel installed on your computer.
2. The Excel workbook file that is password protected.
What Requires Your Focus?
When unprotecting an Excel workbook with a password, there are a few key areas that require your attention:
1. Selecting the appropriate method: There are multiple methods available to unprotect an Excel workbook with a password. You need to choose the method that suits your needs and preferences best.
2. Following the steps carefully: Each method will have a specific set of steps that you need to follow. It’s important to pay close attention to each step and ensure you execute them correctly.
3. Testing and troubleshooting: Sometimes, the unprotecting process may not work due to various reasons such as incorrect password entry or compatibility issues. If that happens, you may need to troubleshoot the issue and try an alternative method.
Method 1. Using Excel Password Recovery Software
Excel password recovery software is designed specifically to help users recover or remove passwords from Excel workbooks. Here’s how you can use this method:
1. Download and install a reputable Excel password recovery software on your computer.
2. Launch the software and click on the option to recover or remove the password.
3. Select the Excel workbook file that is password protected.
4. Choose the appropriate password recovery method from the available options, such as dictionary attack, brute force attack, or mask attack.
5. Configure the settings for the chosen password recovery method, such as password length and character sets to be used.
6. Start the password recovery process and wait for the software to try different combinations to unlock the workbook.
7. Once the password is recovered or removed, save the unlocked Excel workbook to a new file.
8. Open the new file and verify that the workbook is now unprotected.
Pros:
1. Effective in recovering or removing passwords from Excel workbooks.
2. Offers multiple password recovery methods to choose from.
3. User-friendly interface and easy to use.
Cons:
1. May require the purchase of a licensed software for full functionality.
2. Recovery time can vary depending on the complexity of the password.
Method 2. Via Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a free online spreadsheet tool that can be used as an alternative method to unprotect an Excel workbook with a password. Here’s how you can use this method:
1. Open Google Sheets in a web browser.
2. Sign in to your Google account or create a new one if you don’t have an account.
3. Click on "Blank" or "File" and then "Import" to import the password protected Excel workbook.
4. Choose the Excel workbook file from your computer.
5. Google Sheets will automatically convert and import the Excel workbook into its own format.
6. Once the workbook is imported, you can make changes to it without needing the password.
7. After making the necessary changes, you can export the workbook back to Excel format if required.
Pros:
1. No need for additional software installation.
2. Accessible from any computer with internet access.
3. Offers collaboration features for multiple users.
Cons:
1. Formatting and compatibility issues may arise during the import process.
2. Confidential data may be exposed to Google’s privacy policy.
Method 3. Using VBA Macro Code
This method involves using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macro code to bypass the password protection in Excel workbooks. Here’s how you can use this method:
1. Open the password protected Excel workbook.
2. Press "Alt + F11" to open the Visual Basic for Applications editor.
3. Insert a new module by clicking on "Insert" and then "Module".
4. Copy and paste the following VBA code into the module:
"`VBA
Sub PasswordBreaker()
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
"`
5. Press "F5" to run the code.
6. The macro will try different combinations of characters to unlock the workbook.
7. If a usable password is found, a message box will display the password.
8. Use the displayed password to unprotect the workbook.
Pros:
1. No need for external software installation.
2. Can be a quick method to bypass password protection.
Cons:
1. Limited success rate depending on the complexity of the password.
2. Requires basic knowledge of VBA code.
Method 4. Using Online Password Removal Services
If you’re unable to unprotect an Excel workbook with the methods mentioned above, you can consider using online password removal services. These services use powerful algorithms to crack the password and provide you with the unlocked workbook. Here’s how you can use this method:
1. Search for online password removal services in a web browser.
2. Choose a reputable service that offers Excel password removal.
3. Follow the instructions on the selected service’s website to upload your password protected Excel workbook.
4. Pay the required fee, if applicable, for the service to process your request.
5. Once the password is removed, the service will provide you with a download link to the unlocked Excel workbook.
6. Download the unlocked workbook and verify that it is now unprotected.
Pros:
1. Can remove passwords from complex Excel workbooks.
2. No need for additional software installation.
3. Saves time and effort on manual password recovery methods.
Cons:
1. Requires payment for the password removal service.
2. Confidential data may be exposed to the service provider.
Why Can’t I Unprotect An Excel Workbook with Password
There can be several reasons why you might be unable to unprotect an Excel workbook with a password. Here are three common reasons and their fixes:
1. Reason: Incorrect password entry.
Fix: Double-check the password you are entering and make sure it is spelled correctly. Excel passwords are case-sensitive, so ensure you are entering uppercase and lowercase characters correctly.
2. Reason: Compatibility issues.
Fix: Older versions of Excel may have compatibility issues with newer versions of password protection. Try opening the Excel workbook in a newer version of Excel or use alternative methods mentioned earlier.
3. Reason: Password strength and complexity.
Fix: Strong passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters are more difficult to crack. If you suspect your password is strong, you may need to use more advanced methods such as password recovery software or online services.
Implications and Recommendations
Here are three suggestions for handling password protected Excel workbooks:
1. Use strong and unique passwords: When creating passwords for Excel workbooks, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords to enhance security.
2. Maintain password records: If you frequently work with password protected Excel workbooks, consider keeping a record of the passwords in a secure location such as a password manager. This will help prevent the frustration of forgetting passwords in the future.
3. Regularly backup your work: To avoid the risk of losing important data due to forgotten passwords or other issues, make sure to regularly backup your Excel workbooks. Store backups in separate locations to ensure data redundancy.
5 FAQs about Unprotecting an Excel Workbook with Password
Q1: Can I unprotect an Excel workbook without knowing the password?
A: Yes, by using methods like Excel password recovery software or online password removal services, you can unprotect an Excel workbook without knowing the original password.
Q2: Will unprotecting an Excel workbook remove all security measures?
A: Unprotecting an Excel workbook only removes the password protection. Other security measures such as restricted editing or sharing permissions may still be in place.
Q3: Are there any legal restrictions on using password recovery software?
A: While using password recovery software is generally legal, it’s important to comply with local laws and regulations. Ensure you have proper authorization to remove passwords from Excel workbooks before proceeding.
Q4: Can I recover a forgotten password from an Excel workbook?
A: Yes, Excel password recovery software and online password removal services can recover forgotten passwords from Excel workbooks, provided they have sufficient strength and complexity.
Q5: Is there any guarantee that a password can be successfully removed?
A: The success of password removal methods can vary depending on factors like password strength and complexity. While these methods have a high success rate, there is no absolute guarantee of successful password removal.
Final Words
Unprotecting an Excel workbook with a password can be essential when you need to access and make changes to your data. By following the methods mentioned in this blog post, you can successfully unprotect your Excel workbooks and regain control over your data. Remember to prioritize the security of your passwords and backup your important work to avoid any future complications.