How to Bypass VBA Project Password in Excel

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Microsoft Excel has become a part of our daily lives. Many people use it for daily work, data management, and even for personal use. In many cases, protection of confidential data is essential, and so users use a VBA project password to secure their Excel files. But, what happens when you forget the VBA project password? It can be frustrating! That’s where this blog comes into play, we will help you bypass the VBA project password in Excel and gain access to your important data.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Bypassing VBA Project Password in Excel

When an Excel user forgets their VBA project password, it can be a hassle to recover or bypass it. There are several ways to bypass a VBA project password in Excel, but some methods require a higher level of technical expertise. We have compiled a list of methods that will help you bypass the VBA project password in Excel, regardless of your technical expertise.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we dive into the methods, you should prepare for the following things:

  • The Excel file in which you want to bypass the VBA project password
  • A computer with Microsoft Excel installed on it
  • Basic technical knowledge to follow the steps below
  • Patience, as some methods may take longer than others.

Method 1: Via Hex Editor

Explaination

The first method to bypass the VBA project password in Excel is by using a hex editor. A hex editor is a program that allows you to edit binary files. By using a hex editor, you can bypass the VBA project password in Excel.

Steps

  1. Open your Excel file using a hex editor that supports hex-editing functionality.
  2. Locate the string "DPB" in the hex editor. DPB represents the VBA project password.
  3. Change the DPB value to "DPx" or any other string other than "DPx".
  4. Save the changes and exit the hex editor.
  5. Open the Excel file in Excel and open the VBA editor. There will be no VBA password required.

Pros

  • Relatively simple to perform
  • Works with Excel files of any size or complexity

Cons

  • Requires a hex editor with hex edit functionality
  • The password can be recovered easily after someone opens the hex editor.

Method 2: Via Excel VBA Code

Explanation

The second method to bypass the VBA project password in Excel is by using Excel VBA code. This method can be used if your Excel file contains macros and code.

Steps

  1. Open the Excel file containing the VBA project password.
  2. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
  3. Select Insert menu and then click on Module.
  4. Copy and paste the following code:
    5. 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)
         Exit Sub
    End If
    Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
    Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
End Sub
  5. Press F5 to run the code.
  6. The VBA project password will be visible in the message box.

Pros

  • Works on any Excel file containing macros and code
  • Does not require a hex editor or any other software

Cons

  • Can be time-consuming if the password is complex and lengthy
  • Only works on Excel files that contain macros and code

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

Explanation

The third method to bypass the VBA project password in Excel is by using third-party software. There are many third-party tools available that can help you bypass the VBA project password in Excel.

Steps

  1. Download and install a third-party VBA project password removal tool.
  2. Open the software and select your Excel file.
  3. Click on the "Decrypt VBA Password" button.
  4. Wait for the software to remove the password from your Excel file.
  5. Exit the software.
  6. Open your Excel file in Excel and the VBA project password will be removed.

Pros

  • Relatively simple to perform
  • Works on all Excel files with VBA project passwords
  • Fast process to remove password

Cons

  • Some software can be expensive
  • Some third-party software may compromise the security of your confidential data

Why Can’t I Bypass VBA Project Password in Excel?

There can be many reasons why you cannot bypass the VBA project password in Excel. Here are some reasons why you may not be able to bypass the VBA project password in Excel, and their fixes:

  • Incorrect password: If you are trying to bypass the VBA project password in Excel, but are unable to do so, it is possible that you are using the incorrect password. Make sure you are using the correct password.
  • Locked VBA code: If your VBA code is locked for editing, you will not be able to bypass the VBA project password in Excel. Make sure your VBA code is unlocked for editing before you try to bypass the VBA project password.
  • Corrupted Excel file: If your Excel file is corrupted, you may not be able to bypass the VBA project password. Try to repair the Excel file before attempting to bypass the VBA project password.

Additional Tips

  • Always backup your important data and Excel files regularly to avoid data loss.
  • Use strong passwords to secure your files and follow good password hygiene practices.
  • Regularly update your Microsoft Excel software to avoid security vulnerabilities.
  • Do not share confidential data or your Excel files with unauthorized individuals or networks.
  • When using third-party software for VBA project password removal, be sure to download them from their official website.

5 FAQs about Bypassing VBA Project Password in Excel

Q. Can I bypass the VBA project password in Excel 2019?

A. Yes, you can bypass the VBA project password in Excel 2019 using any of the methods listed above.

Q. Is it safe to use third-party software to bypass VBA project passwords in Excel?

A. When using third-party software for VBA project password removal, be sure to download them from their official website. Also, be sure to use reputable and trusted software.

Q. Will bypassing the VBA project password in Excel damage my file?

A. Bypassing the VBA project password in Excel using any of the methods listed above will not damage your Excel file or its contents.

Q. Can I reset my VBA project password in Excel?

A. No, you cannot reset your VBA project password in Excel. Once a password has been set, it cannot be reset. You can only bypass the VBA project password.

Q. Are there any legal implications of bypassing the VBA project password in Excel?

A. Bypassing the VBA project password in Excel using the methods listed above is legal as long as you have the right to access the Excel file.

In Conclusion

Forgetting your VBA project password in Excel can be a frustrating experience, but now you have different ways to bypass it. By following the aforementioned methods and tips, you will be able to access your important data and regain control of your Excel file. Just remember, always backup your important data and use strong passwords to secure your files.