Microsoft Excel has been widely used in various industries, from finance to education, because of its ability to perform complex calculations, manage data, and create charts and graphs. However, Excel files can sometimes be protected with a password, leaving many users frustrated when they cannot access the data they need. In this article, we will discuss several methods on how to unlock password-protected Excel files.
Method 1: Use a Password Recovery Tool
The easiest and fastest way to unlock password-protected Excel files is to use a password recovery tool. There are several software programs available online that can crack the password of your Excel file in just a few minutes. One of the most popular and effective tools is called PassFab for Excel.
PassFab for Excel is very easy to use. Simply download and install the software on your computer, then follow these steps:
- Launch PassFab for Excel on your computer.
- Click the “Add” button to import the password-protected Excel file.
- Select the appropriate attack type: Dictionary, Brute-force, or Mask.
- Click the “Start” button to begin the password recovery process.
- Once the password is recovered, a pop-up window will appear with the password. You can then use this password to open the Excel file.
Please note that using a password recovery tool may not always work, especially if the password is complicated and contains multiple characters. In this case, you can try other methods listed in this article.
Method 2: Open the File in Safe Mode
If you cannot use a password recovery tool, you can try to open the Excel file in Safe Mode. This method will disable all add-ins and extensions, which may be preventing you from opening the file.
To open Excel in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
- Close all instances of Excel if it is currently running on your computer.
- Press and hold the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard, then double-click the Excel file to open it.
- A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to open the file in Safe Mode. Click “Yes”.
If the file opens successfully in Safe Mode, you can then try to remove the password by going to “File” > “Info” > “Protect Workbook” > “Encrypt with Password”. Delete the password and click “OK”. Save the file and exit Excel.
FAQs
Q: Are there any free password recovery tools available?
A: Yes, there are several free password recovery tools available online such as Free Word and Excel Password Recovery Wizard, GuaWord, and CrackIt!. However, these tools may not be as effective as paid ones and may take longer to recover the password.
Q: Can I use a password recovery tool on a Mac computer?
A: Yes, there are several password recovery tools available for Mac computers such as Excel Password Remover Mac, iSunshare Excel Password Genius for Mac, and PassFab for Excel (Mac version). These tools work similarly to their PC counterparts and can help you recover your password-protected Excel files.
Conclusion
Locked Excel files can be frustrating, especially if they contain important data that you need to access. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to unlock password-protected Excel files. If you cannot use a password recovery tool, you can try opening the file in Safe Mode and removing the password from there.
Please note that any method used to break into a password-protected Excel file should only be used if you have permission to do so. Trying to access someone else’s locked file without their permission is illegal and unethical.
For more information on unlocking password-protected Excel files, check out this helpful video from Excel Campus:
