Working with Excel files is an essential part of modern-day business. However, losing or forgetting the password to an Excel file can be a frustrating experience. In this article, we will explore different ways to unlock an Excel file that is password-protected and find out how to open an Excel file in Google Spreadsheet.
How to Open a Password-Protected Excel File
If you have forgotten the password to an Excel file, there are various methods to recover it, depending on the type of protection used by the document. Here are some ways to unlock a password-protected Excel file:
Method 1: Using a VBA Code
If you are the owner of the Excel file or have permission to modify it, you can use VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code to unlock the password. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the password-protected Excel file in Microsoft Excel.
- Press Alt + F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor.
- Click on “Insert” and select “Module”.
- Paste the following code in the new module:
“`
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 “One usable 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
“`
5. Press F5 to run the code.
6. Wait for the process to complete. The code will test all possible combinations of passwords and will display the usable one if found.
Method 2: Using an Online Tool
If the Excel file is not too complex or has a weak password, you can use online tools to generate the password used to encrypt the file. Here are some popular options:
- LostMyPass
- CrackMyPDF
- OnlineHashCrack
- HashCrack
Be aware that these services may not be secure or reliable. Make sure to use them at your own risk.
Method 3: Using Password Recovery Software
If you failed to recover the password using the previous methods, you can use password recovery software to retrieve it. Here are some of the most popular options:
- PassFab for Excel
- Accent EXCEL Password Recovery
- Stellar Phoenix Excel Password Recovery
These tools use advanced algorithms to decrypt the file, so they can take some time to complete the process. Some might require payment or a trial version before providing access to the full functionality.
How to Open an Excel File in Google Spreadsheet
Google Spreadsheet is an online tool that allows you to edit and share Excel files without the need for Microsoft Excel. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open Google Spreadsheet in your web browser.
- Click on “File” and select “Import”.
- Click on “Upload”.
- Select the Excel file you want to import.
- Choose the import options according to your preferences.
- Click on “Import” to start the process.
Once the import is complete, you can edit the Excel file in Google Spreadsheet. Any changes you make will be automatically saved to Google Drive, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously.
FAQ
1. Is it legal to unlock a password-protected Excel file?
Unlocking a password-protected Excel file that you own or have permission to access is legal. However, hacking into someone else’s file without their consent is illegal and a violation of privacy laws.
2. Can I use Google Spreadsheet as a replacement for Microsoft Excel?
Google Spreadsheet is a powerful tool for small and medium-sized businesses that do not require advanced features of Microsoft Excel. However, if your business relies heavily on Excel, it might be worth investing in Microsoft Office or Office 365 for improved compatibility and security.
Unlocking a Password-Protected Excel File
In this video, you will learn how to unlock a password-protected Excel file using various methods.
Opening an Excel File in Google Spreadsheet
In this video, you will learn how to open an Excel file in Google Spreadsheet step by step.