Opening an Excel file is a common task for many professionals who use this software for work or personal purposes. However, sometimes, Excel files may come in tricky formats that require a specific method to open them. One of those formats is XLSB files. In this article, we will explain what an XLSB file is, why it may be difficult to open it, and how to efficiently unlock it.
What is an XLSB file?
An XLSB file is a Microsoft Excel binary workbook file. It is similar to the more familiar XLSX file but only in that it contains Excel data and formatting. The main difference is that the XLSB file format is a binary file format, whereas the XLSX format is an XML-based file format. As a binary format, XLSB files load and save faster and are more efficient with large data sets and complex calculations than their XML-based counterparts. Therefore, this format is often used for heavy-duty Excel files with large data sets.
However, the downside of the XLSB format is that it can be more challenging to unlock or open than other formats. If you don’t have the right tools and knowledge, it’s possible that you may encounter an error message when trying to open an XLSB file, or worse, you may lose the data inside the file if it becomes corrupted or damaged.
Why can opening an XLSB file be difficult?
There are several reasons why opening an XLSB file can be a challenge:
- Compatibility issues: XLSB files were introduced in Excel 2007, so if you are using an older version of Excel, you may not be able to open them.
- Security measures: Sometimes, Excel files have password protection, and you need the password to open them. If you don’t have the password, you won’t be able to access the file.
- Corruption or damage: Just like any other file format, XLSB files can become corrupt or damaged for various reasons, such as a power outage or network error. If this happens, you may not be able to open the file.
How to unlock an XLSB file?
If you are having trouble opening an XLSB file, don’t worry. There are several ways to unlock it, and we will explain the most effective methods below.
Method 1: Change the file extension
One of the easiest ways to open an XLSB file is to change the file extension. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the XLSB file and select “Rename”.
- Change the file extension from “.xlsb” to “.xlsx” and press Enter.
- Now double-click on the file, and it should open without any problems.
Note that changing the file extension may cause some features or functionalities of the file to be lost. Therefore, this method should only be used if you know that the file doesn’t contain any macros or other advanced features.
Method 2: Use a password recovery tool
If the XLSB file has a password, and you don’t know it, you can use a password recovery tool to unlock it. There are several tools available online that can help you recover lost or forgotten Excel passwords, such as PassFab for Excel, Excel Password Recovery Master, or Accent EXCEL Password Recovery. Follow the instructions provided by the tool you chose to recover the password and unlock the file.
Method 3: Repair the file
If the XLSB file is corrupt or damaged, you may need to repair it before you can open it. Excel has a built-in repair tool that can fix minor issues with the file. Here’s how to use it:
- Open Excel.
- Click on “File” and then click “Open”.
- Select the XLSB file you want to repair.
- Click on the arrow next to the “Open” button and select “Open and Repair”.
- Choose either “Repair” or “Extract Data” depending on what you want Excel to do with the file.
- Press “OK”.
If Excel is unable to repair the file, you may need to use a third-party tool to repair it.
FAQ
Q1. What is the difference between XLSX and XLSB file formats?
A1. XLSX is an XML-based file format, while XLSB is a binary file format. The main difference between the two formats is that XLSB files are faster and more efficient with large data sets and complex calculations, while XLSX files load and save slower and may be more prone to errors with big data sets.
Q2. Can I convert XLSB files to XLSX?
A2. Yes, you can convert XLSB files to XLSX format in Excel. Here’s how:
- Open the XLSB file in Excel.
- Click on “File” and select “Save as”.
- Select “Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)” as the file type.
- Choose a location to save the file and click “Save”.
Once you save the file in XLSX format, you can open it in any version of Excel that supports the XLSX format.
Conclusion
Knowing how to open an XLSB file is an essential skill for anyone who works with Excel. Remember that XLSB files are binary files that are more efficient and faster than XLSX files with large data sets. However, they can be more challenging to open due to compatibility issues, security measures, or corruption or damage. You can use several methods to unlock an XLSB file, such as changing the file extension, using a password recovery tool, or repairing the file. By following the tips and methods explained in this article, you can successfully open any XLSB file and use its data for your work or personal purposes.
How to Open an XLSB File – Video Tutorial
If you prefer visual guidance, check out this video tutorial that explains how to open an XLSB file step by step:
