As technology evolves, we rely more and more on digital files for data storage and sharing. Excel is one of the most commonly used software for managing and analyzing this data. However, sometimes we face the problem of being unable to open Excel files that are password protected. In this article, we will discuss different ways to open Excel files that are password protected in Excel 2010 and provide a step-by-step guide for each method.
Method 1: Using VBA Code
VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code is a simple and effective way to open password protected Excel files. Follow these steps to use VBA code:
- Open Excel, then press Alt + F11. This will open the VBA Editor.
- From the “Insert” menu, select “Module”.
- Paste the following code into the module:
- Press F5 to run the code.
- The password will be displayed in a message box. Copy the password and use it to open the Excel file.
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 "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>
Method 2: Using Excel Password Genius
Excel Password Genius is a powerful tool that can be used to remove passwords from Excel files. Follow these steps to use Excel Password Genius:
- Download and install Excel Password Genius on your computer.
- Launch the program and click “Open” to load the password-protected Excel file.
- Select the password-protected Excel file from the file list, then click “Remove Password”.
- Choose an attack type (Brute-force Attack, Mask Attack, Dictionary Attack) to unlock the Excel file. You can also set parameters for the attack type.
- Click “Start” to begin unlocking the Excel file.
- Once the password is found, it will be displayed on the screen. Copy the password and use it to open the Excel file.
FAQ
Q: Can I open a password-protected Excel file without a password?
A: Yes, using VBA code or Excel Password Genius, you can remove the password from a password-protected Excel file and open it without a password. However, it is important to note that removing passwords from files that are not your own without permission is illegal and unethical.
Q: What should I do if I forget my password for an Excel file?
A: If you forget your password for an Excel file, you can use VBA code or Excel Password Genius to recover the password. However, if the password is too complex or if you are unable to recover it using these methods, you may need to use a professional password recovery service.
Video Tutorial: How to Open a Password-Protected Excel File
In conclusion, there are different methods that can be used to open password-protected Excel files, including using VBA code and Excel Password Genius. However, it is important to note that removing passwords from files that are not your own without permission is illegal and unethical. If you forget your password for an Excel file, you can use these methods to recover the password. However, if the password is too complex or if you are unable to recover it using these methods, you may need to use a professional password recovery service.
