Excel files are widely used by individuals and businesses to store and analyze data. However, forgetting the password to an Excel file can be frustrating, especially if the file contains important data. Bypassing the password on an Excel file might seem like a daunting task, but with the right methods, it can be achieved. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to bypass password on an Excel file.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Bypass Password on Excel File
There are several reasons why you might need to bypass password on an Excel file. One of the most common reasons is forgetting the password. Another reason is if the person who created the file is no longer available, and you need access to the data. Additionally, if the password is preventing you from accessing important data, you may need to bypass it. Whatever the reason, knowing how to bypass the password on an Excel file can be useful.
Method 1: Using ZIP
If you’ve forgotten the password to an Excel file, you can try using the ZIP archive method to bypass the password. Here’s how it works:
1. Change the extension of the Excel file from .xlsx to .zip.
2. Right-click the modified ZIP file and select "Extract All".
3. Open the extracted folder and select the "xl" folder.
4. Open the "worksheets" folder within the "xl" folder.
5. Right-click on the sheet that you want to remove the password from and select "Edit".
6. Look for the "sheetProtection" tag and remove the entire tag.
7. Save the changes and close the XML file.
8. Compress the extracted file again with the changed extension to .xlsx.
Pros:
– This method is free to use.
– It’s relatively easy to follow.
Cons:
– You need to have the knowledge of working with XML files.
– This method may not work on the latest versions of Excel.
Method 2: Using VBA Code
Another method to bypass password on Excel files is by using VBA code. Here’s how it works:
1. Open the Excel file and press ALT+F11 to open the VBA editor.
2. In the editor, select "Insert" and choose "Module".
3. Paste the following code in the module:
"`
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 = 97 To 122
For n = 1 To 3
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. Close the VBA editor and go back to the Excel file.
5. Run the code by pressing ALT+F8 and selecting the "PasswordBreaker" macro.
6. The macro will automatically break the password protection on the worksheet.
Pros:
– This method can work on all versions of Excel.
– It’s relatively easy to follow.
Cons:
– You may need to have some knowledge of working with VBA code.
Method 3: Using Online Tools
Another way to bypass password on Excel files is by using online tools. There are several websites that offer password removal services for Excel files. Here’s how it works:
1. Go to an online tool that offers password removal services for Excel files, such as LostMyPass or Online File Converter.
2. Upload the Excel file that you want to remove the password from.
3. The tool will automatically remove the password from the file and provide you with a download link.
Pros:
– This method is easy and quick.
– You don’t need to have any technical knowledge.
Cons:
– Some online tools may not be safe to use and may compromise your data.
– Some tools may require you to pay a fee for their services.
What to Do If You Can’t Bypass Password on Excel File
If you’ve tried all the above methods and still can’t bypass the password on the Excel file, you may need to use a password recovery tool or seek professional help. One popular password recovery tool is Passper for Excel. This tool can help you recover the password on Excel files by using an advanced recovery algorithm. Additionally, you can seek professional help from experts who specialize in data recovery.
Bonus Tip
To prevent password loss in the future, it’s important to remember to save your passwords in a safe and secure location. One easy way to do this is to use a password manager, such as LastPass or 1Password. These tools can help you store and organize your passwords securely.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I bypass a password on a password-protected Excel file?
A: Yes, it’s possible to bypass a password on a password-protected Excel file by using the methods described above.
Q2: Can I use these methods to bypass the password on any version of Excel?
A: The first two methods can work on any version of Excel, while online tools may work only on older versions of Excel.
Q3: Are there any risks associated with using online tools to remove passwords?
A: Yes, some online tools may not be safe to use and may compromise your data. It’s important to do your research and choose a reputable tool.
Q4: What should I do if none of the methods work?
A: If none of the above methods work, you may need to use a password recovery tool or seek professional help from data recovery experts.
Q5: How can I prevent losing my password in the future?
A: It’s important to save your passwords in a safe and secure location. Using a password manager tool can help you store and organize your passwords securely.
Final Thoughts
Bypassing password on an Excel file can be frustrating, especially if the file contains important data. However, with the methods described above, it’s possible to regain access to your data. It’s important to remember to save your passwords in a safe and secure location to prevent password loss in the future.