Have you ever encountered a locked Excel file that you need to access urgently? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through different ways on how to unlock Excel files. But before we discuss those ways, let’s first understand why Excel files usually get locked.
Why Do Excel Files Get Locked?
Excel files usually get locked to protect sensitive information against unauthorized access. This is particularly important for companies or individuals who handle sensitive data such as accounting records and personal information. Locking Excel files can help keep the information secure and prevent unauthorized modifications that may lead to data loss.
How to Unlock Excel Files
Now that we know why Excel files get locked, let’s dive into the different ways you can unlock them:
1. Recover the Password
If the Excel file is password-protected, the easiest way to unlock it is by recovering the password. Here’s how:
- Open the password-protected Excel file and click on “File” from the menu.
- Click on “Info” and then select “Protect Workbook.”
- Click on “Encrypt with Password.”
- Erase the password from the text box and click on “OK.”
- Save the file.
This method works only if you previously selected “Save Password” when you were saving the file. If this didn’t happen, then you’ll need to try other methods.
2. Use a VBA Macro Code
The Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro code can help unlock an Excel file that is password-protected. Here’s how:
- Open the password-protected Excel file and then press “Alt + F11.”
- In the “Editor window,” click on “Insert” and select “Module.”
- Paste the following code in the new module:
- Press “F5” or “Run” to execute the code.
- A message box will appear with a usable password.
- Use the password to unlock the file.
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) End If Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next End Sub
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I unlock an Excel file without the password?
Yes, you can unlock an Excel file without the password by using VBA code or third-party software.
2. How do I protect my Excel file?
To protect your Excel file, follow these steps:
- Open the Excel file and click on “File” from the menu.
- Click on “Info” and then select “Protect Workbook.”
- Select “Protect Current Sheet.”
- Enter the password in the text box and click “OK.”
- Save the file.
Conclusion
Unlocking Excel files can be a challenge, but with the methods we’ve discussed above, you can easily unlock your password-protected Excel files. The most important thing is to use a strong password to protect your sensitive data.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and colleagues who may also need to unlock Excel files. Thank you for reading!
Video Tutorial: How to Unlock Excel Files
Unlock Excel Files with Ease
Unlocking Excel files can be a daunting task, but with the methods we’ve discussed, you can easily unlock your password-protected files. Consider using a strong password to protect your sensitive data against unauthorized access.
If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Thank you for reading, and good luck unlocking your Excel files!