Excel has become a common software for managing data and calculations in offices around the world. However, one of its common features is to protect files with passwords. This protects sensitive data but it becomes a problem when the password is lost or forgotten. Fortunately, there are ways to regain access to these files. This article will present various methods to unlock password-protected Excel files and recover lost passwords.
Method 1: Using Known Passwords or Password Lists
The easiest way to unlock an Excel file is to use the password that was previously set. This method also works if a password list was created before the file was locked. To unlock the file using this method:
- Open the Excel file.
- Enter the password that was previously used to lock the file.
- If the password is correct, the file will be unlocked and can be edited.
If the password is not known, there may be a password list that was created before the file was locked. A password list is a list of potential passwords that may have been used to lock the file. To use this method:
- Create a list of potential passwords.
- Open the Excel file.
- Click on “File” in the top left corner of the screen and select “Info”.
- Click on “Protect Workbook” and select “Encrypt with Password”.
- Enter an incorrect password.
- A message will appear, informing you that the password is incorrect. Select “OK”.
- Select “Cancel” and the file will remain locked.
- Repeat steps 4-7, but enter a different password from the list each time.
- When the correct password is entered, the file will be unlocked and can be edited.
Method 2: Using Online Tools to Unlock Excel Files
If the above method does not work, another way to unlock Excel files is to use online tools that are available on the internet. These tools are designed specifically to unlock password-protected Excel files. These tools use brute-force attacks or dictionary attacks to recover lost passwords. To use an online tool:
- Search for an online Excel password recovery tool.
- Upload the locked Excel file to the tool’s website.
- Select the “Unlock” or “Recover Password” option.
- Wait for the tool to complete the password recovery process.
- Download the unlocked Excel file from the website.
- Open the Excel file to ensure that it is now unlocked.
However, it is important to note that using online tools can be risky as it involves the uploading of sensitive data to a third-party website. There is a possibility that the data may be stolen or misused. Additionally, some online tools may contain malware that can infect your computer. It is recommended to use these tools only as a last resort and to choose reliable and reputable websites.
FAQs
Q1: What should I do if I still cannot unlock my Excel file?
If all the above methods fail, it is recommended to contact Microsoft Support. Microsoft Support has specialized tools and software to unlock password-protected Excel files. Additionally, they can help you recover lost passwords and provide you with other solutions to your Excel-related problems.
Q2: How can I prevent losing my Excel file password?
To prevent losing your Excel file password, it is recommended to create a password that is easy to remember. Avoid using complex passwords that are difficult to remember. Additionally, you can use password management software to store all your passwords in one place. Password management software works by encrypting your passwords and securely storing them in a database.
Conclusion
Losing a password to a password-protected Excel file can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are methods to regain access to these files. The easiest method is to use known passwords or password lists. However, if these methods fail, there are online tools available to unlock these files. It is recommended to use these tools only as a last resort and to choose reliable and reputable websites. Additionally, it is important to prevent losing passwords by using easy-to-remember passwords or password management software.
