Excel is a software application developed by Microsoft Corporation, and it is the go-to program for spreadsheets and data analysis in the business world. Excel is best known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. However, sometimes users encounter issues where they cannot access an Excel file because of password protection. If you are one of these users, then you will be glad to know that there are ways to open password-protected Excel files. In this article, we will show you how to open password-protected Excel files.
First Method: Use Online Password Remover Tools
The easiest and most efficient way to open password-protected Excel files is by using online password remover tools. These tools are readily available on the internet and are free. To use these tools, follow the steps below:
1. Open your browser and search for a reliable online password remover tool.
2. Choose the password remover tool of your choice and upload the password-protected Excel file.
3. Wait for the tool to remove the password.
4. Download the unlocked Excel file.
However, before using any of these tools, you should be cautious and only use reputable websites to avoid any malware or phishing attacks.
Second Method: Use VBA Macro Code
Another way to open password-protected Excel files is by using VBA Macro code. VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a programming language developed by Microsoft that is used to automate repetitive tasks in Excel. VBA Macro code can be used to unlock password-protected Excel files. To use VBA Macro code to unlock a password-protected Excel file, follow the steps below:
1. Open the password-protected Excel file.
2. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
3. Once the VBA editor is open, click on Insert > Module.
4. Copy and paste the following code into the module called Module1:
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
5. Run the VBA code by pressing F5.
6. The code will iterate through all possible passwords until it finds the correct password for the file.
7. Once the correct password is found, a pop-up message will appear, and you can use this password to unlock the Excel file.
FAQ
Q1. Can I open a password-protected Excel file without a password?
A1. It is not possible to open a password-protected Excel file without a password. However, you can use the methods mentioned above to open password-protected Excel files.
Q2. Can I remove a password from an Excel file?
A2. Yes, you can remove a password from an Excel file. To remove a password from an Excel file, open the Excel file, go to the File menu, click on Info, then click on Protect Workbook. From the drop-down menu, select Encrypt with Password and delete the password. Save the file, and the password will be removed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, password-protected Excel files can be a hindrance when trying to access important data. However, there are methods to open password-protected Excel files, such as using online password remover tools or VBA Macro code. With these methods, you can easily unlock password-protected Excel files and access your important data.
