Microsoft Excel has been a widely popular spreadsheet software used by millions of people worldwide. With its vast array of features, it is more than just a tool for accounting and financial tasks, but can also be used for data analysis, budget planning, project management, and more. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks for using Microsoft Excel effectively, from viewing multiple sheets at once to opening VBA password-protected files.
Viewing Multiple Sheets in Microsoft Excel
One of the most common tasks performed in Microsoft Excel is working with multiple sheets. However, sometimes it can become cumbersome to switch back and forth between different sheets, especially if the sheets contain important data that you need to reference at the same time. Thankfully, Microsoft Excel provides a solution that makes it easy to view multiple sheets side-by-side.
Step 1: Open the Sheets You Want to View
The first step is to open the sheets you want to view. You can either open two or more separate Excel files or multiple sheets within the same workbook.
Step 2: Go to the View Tab
Once you have the sheets open, go to the View tab in the Excel ribbon.
Step 3: Click on the View Side by Side Button
Under the Window section, click on the View Side by Side button.
Step 4: Adjust the Window Size
Once you click the View Side by Side button, the two sheets will be displayed side-by-side. If you want to adjust the size of the windows, simply drag the divider between the two sheets to either side.
Step 5: Turn Off View Side by Side Mode
To turn off the View Side by Side mode, simply go back to the View tab and click on the View Side by Side button again.
Bypassing VBA Excel Passwords
If you work with VBA code in Microsoft Excel, you may have come across password-protected VBA projects that you need to open. However, if you do not have the password, it can be difficult to access the code.
Thankfully, there are ways to bypass password protection on VBA projects in Microsoft Excel. Here’s how:
Step 1: Create a New Workbook
The first step is to create a new workbook in Microsoft Excel.
Step 2: Press ALT + F11
With the new workbook open, press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor window.
Step 3: Add a New Module
In the VBA editor window, go to the Insert menu and choose Module to add a new module to the project.
Step 4: Paste the Code
Copy and paste the following code into the new 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)
Exit Sub
End If
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
End Sub
Step 5: Run the Code
Press F5 or click on the Run button to execute the code. This will attempt to crack the password on the protected worksheet.
FAQ
1. How can I use Excel for data analysis?
Excel is an excellent tool for data analysis. Here are some tips for using Excel for data analysis:
- Use PivotTables to summarize data and create interactive reports
- Use conditional formatting to highlight important data trends
- Use Excel’s built-in functions like SUM, AVERAGE, and COUNT to perform calculations
- Use the Data Validation feature to ensure data accuracy
2. How can I improve my Excel skills?
Here are some ways to improve your Excel skills:
- Take an online course or tutorial
- Practice using Excel regularly
- Join an Excel user group or community to learn from others
By following these tips and tricks, you can become a more effective Microsoft Excel user and take advantage of all the powerful features the software has to offer.