Have you ever encountered an Excel file that is password protected, and you don’t know the password to open it? It can be frustrating, especially if the file contains important data that you need. Luckily, there are ways to remove password protection from Excel files. In this article, we will explore different methods to do so.
Method 1: Remove Password Protection Using Online Tools
One of the easiest ways to remove password protection from an Excel file is by using an online tool. There are several online tools available that can help you remove password protection from Excel files. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open your web browser and go to an online tool such as Excel Unlocker
- Upload the password-protected Excel file by clicking on the “Upload” button on the website.
- Wait for the online tool to remove the password from your Excel file.
- Download the unprotected Excel file and open it in Microsoft Excel.
Method 2: Remove Password Protection Using Passper for Excel
Another way to remove password protection from an Excel file is by using a dedicated password recovery software such as Passper for Excel. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download and install Passper for Excel on your computer.
- Launch the program and click on the “Recover Passwords” button.
- Upload the password-protected Excel file by clicking on the “Add” button on the program interface.
- Choose the appropriate password attack mode to recover your password. You can choose from among four options:
- Dictionary Attack: This mode tries the most commonly used passwords to unlock your Excel file
- Combination Attack: This mode combines different character sets and tries all possible combinations
- Mask Attack: This mode allows you to define the password length, characters, etc., to speed up the password recovery process
- Brute Force Attack: This mode tries all possible password combinations, but it is the slowest method.
- After selecting the appropriate attack mode, click on the “Start” button and wait for the password recovery process to complete.
- Once the password has been recovered, use it to open the Excel file and remove the password protection.
FAQ
What should I do if I forget the password for my Excel file?
If you forget the password for your Excel file, do not worry, there are several ways to recover it:
- Use a password recovery software such as Passper for Excel (as described above)
- Use an online password recovery tool such as Password-Online
- Try some commonly used passwords such as “123456” or “password” (although this is not a recommended practice, as it is insecure)
- If none of the above methods work, you may have to recreate the Excel file from scratch and ensure that you remember the password this time.
Is it legal to remove password protection from Excel files?
It depends on the circumstances. If you are the owner of the Excel file and have forgotten the password, then it is legal for you to remove the password protection. However, if you are trying to remove password protection from an Excel file that belongs to someone else without their permission, then it is illegal and unethical to do so. Always ensure that you have the necessary permissions before attempting to remove password protection from an Excel file.
Video Tutorial: Removing Password Protection from Excel Files
For a visual tutorial on removing password protection from Excel files, please watch the following video:
Conclusion
Removing password protection from Excel files may seem daunting at first, but it is actually quite easy once you know the right methods and tools. Always ensure that you have the necessary permissions before attempting to remove password protection from an Excel file, and use secure and complex passwords to protect your sensitive data.
