Method 1: Using Online Unlocking Services
If you don’t have time or technical expertise to crack the password manually, using online unlocking services can be a viable option. These services utilize powerful algorithms to help you unlock Excel files without any hassle. Follow these steps:
- 1. Choose a reliable online unlocking service.
- 2. Visit their website and upload the password-protected Excel file.
- 3. Follow the instructions provided by the service.
- 4. Wait for the service to process the file and unlock it.
- 5. Download the unlocked Excel file.
While online unlocking services can be convenient, ensure you choose a reputable service to protect your data.
Method 2: Decrypting with VBA Code
If you are comfortable with VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) programming, you can use VBA code to unlock password-protected Excel files. Here’s how:
- 1. Open the Excel file and press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
- 2. Insert a new module by clicking Insert and selecting Module.
- 3. Paste the following VBA code into the module:
Sub PasswordBreaker()
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) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & _
Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)
If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
MsgBox "One usable password is " & Chr(i) & Chr(j) & _
Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & _
Chr(i3) & Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)
Exit Sub
End If
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
End Sub
- 4. Press F5 to run the code. The password should be displayed in a pop-up message.
Note that this method may not work for complex passwords, but it’s worth a try if the password is relatively simple.
Method 3: Using Excel Password Recovery Software
If the above methods fail or if you prefer a more streamlined approach, you can leverage specialized Excel password recovery software. These programs are designed to crack passwords efficiently, saving you precious time and effort. Here’s how to use such software:
- 1. Research and choose reliable Excel password recovery software.
- 2. Download and install the software on your computer.
- 3. Launch the software and select the password-protected Excel file.
- 4. Follow the software instructions to initiate the password recovery process.
- 5. Wait for the software to crack the password.
- 6. Retrieve the unlocked Excel file.
Remember to choose a reputable software solution from trusted sources to ensure the safety and integrity of your sensitive data.
Unlocking password-protected Excel files doesn’t have to be an arduous task anymore. By using online unlocking services, VBA code, or dedicated Excel password recovery software, you can quickly regain access to your important data. Remember to handle your passwords responsibly and keep them in a secure location to avoid such inconveniences in the future.