Opening an Excel file only to find that it is password protected can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need to access the data urgently. Thankfully, there are a few ways to unlock password-protected Excel files. In this article, we will explore some of the easiest and most effective solutions.
1. Using Google Sheets
One of the simplest ways to access a password-protected Excel file is by converting it to a Google Sheets document. This process involves uploading the Excel file to Google Drive and converting it to a Google Sheets document. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your Google Drive and click the new button.
- Upload the password-protected Excel file to your Google Drive.
- Right-click on the file and select “Open with Google Sheets”.
- Once the file is open, you can edit it as you would any other Google Sheets document. If there are any formulas, they may require some adjustment to ensure they work properly in Google Sheets.
Converting the Excel file to a Google Sheets document also means that you can access it from any device with an internet connection. However, keep in mind that uploading sensitive data to a third-party service like Google Drive comes with its own set of risks.
2. Using a Password Recovery Tool
If the Google Sheets method doesn’t work for you, you can try using a password recovery tool to unlock the Excel file. There are several such tools available online, both free and paid. One of the most popular ones is PassFab for Excel.
Here’s how to use PassFab for Excel to unlock a password-protected Excel file:
- Download and install PassFab for Excel on your computer.
- Open the program and click “Add” to import the password-protected Excel file.
- Select the attack type you want to use. The three options available are:
- Dictionary Attack: this method uses a dictionary file to try different combinations of characters.
- Brute Force Attack: this method tries all possible combinations of characters until it finds the correct password.
- Brute Force with Mask Attack: this method is similar to the Brute Force Attack, but it uses a mask to limit the characters that are tried.
- Click “Start” to begin the password recovery process.
- Once the tool has found the correct password, it will display it on the screen.
Using a password recovery tool like PassFab for Excel can be effective but keep in mind that it can be time-consuming and may not work for all Excel files. Additionally, some free tools may be risky and potentially harmful to your computer.
FAQ
1. Can I remove the password protection from an Excel file?
Yes, it is possible to remove password protection from an Excel file. This involves opening the file in Excel and going to the “Review” tab. From there, select “Unprotect Sheet” and enter the password. If you don’t know the password, you can try one of the methods mentioned above to unlock the file.
2. Is it legal to use a password recovery tool to unlock an Excel file?
Generally, the legality of using a password recovery tool to unlock an Excel file is murky. While it is not technically illegal to use such a tool, it is also not explicitly legal. It is also worth noting that some companies and organizations may have policies against using such tools, so it’s best to check before using one.
Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on unlocking password-protected Excel files, you can check out the video below:
