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In today’s world, where data is stored predominantly in digital formats, there often arises a need to protect that data using passwords. Microsoft Excel, being one of the most widely used software applications, is often secured with passwords to prevent unauthorized access. However, sometimes users forget their password, and it becomes difficult to open the file. In this article, we will discuss various methods to open password-protected Excel files, including online tools, manual methods, and software solutions.
H2 – Method 1: Using Online Tools to Open Password-Protected Excel Files
There are several online tools available that offer to unlock password-protected Excel files. One such tool is Online Excel Password Recovery. It is a free online service that claims to remove passwords from Excel files. To use this tool, follow the steps below:
1. Go to the Online Excel Password Recovery website by browsing the URL “http://www.excelpasswordrecovery.net”;
2. Upload the Excel file to be unlocked by clicking on the “Browse” button;
3. Click on the “Unlock” button to start the password removal process;
4. Wait for the tool to remove the password from the file; this may take several minutes depending on the file size and password complexity;
5. Once the process is complete, the unlocked file can be downloaded by clicking on the “Download” button.
Although online tools like Online Excel Password Recovery are useful in removing passwords from Excel files, using such tools comes with its own set of risks. These tools may compromise the confidentiality of data stored in the Excel file. It is, therefore, advisable to use such tools with caution.
H2 – Method 2: Using Manual Methods to Open Password-Protected Excel Files
If you are unable to open a password-protected Excel file by using an online tool, you can try the manual methods mentioned below:
1. Using Known Passwords: Try using known passwords that were previously used to access the Excel file. This may sound like an obvious solution, but users often overlook it.
2. Using Hex Editors: Hex editors are used to edit binary files. They can be used to remove passwords from Excel files, but this process is not for the faint-hearted. The steps involved are as follows:
a. Download and install a hex editor software such as HxD, Hex Workshop, or Hex Editor Neo;
b. Open the password-protected Excel file in the hex editor;
c. Search for the string “DPB=”;
d. Replace the string “DPB=” with “DPx=”;
e. Save the file;
f. Open the file in Excel, and you will be prompted to enter a new password.
H2 – Method 3: Using Software Solutions to Open Password-Protected Excel Files
If the above-mentioned methods fail, you can use software solutions to open password-protected Excel files. Such software solutions are designed to remove passwords from Excel files quickly and efficiently. Some popular software solutions are as follows:
1. Passcovery Suite: Passcovery Suite is a comprehensive password recovery tool that can recover passwords from various file formats, including Excel. It uses advanced algorithms to remove passwords from files quickly and efficiently. Passcovery Suite supports both Windows and Mac operating systems.
2. Excel Password Recovery Master: Excel Password Recovery Master is another useful tool that can remove passwords from Excel files. It is easy to use and supports all versions of Excel. This tool uses brute-force and dictionary attacks to remove passwords from Excel files.
FAQ
Q1. Can online tools be trusted for password removal?
A. Online tools can be useful in removing passwords from Excel files, but they come with their own set of risks. These tools can compromise the confidentiality of data stored in the Excel file. Therefore, it is advisable to use such tools with caution.
Q2. What if all the methods mentioned in the article fail to remove the password from the Excel file?
A. If all the methods mentioned in the article fail, it means that the password is too complex and cannot be removed. In such cases, you can either contact the person who created the file and request the password or use specialized software to remove the password.
