Microsoft Excel is undeniably one of the most commonly used software for data analysis, calculation, and storage, whether at workplaces, schools, or homes. In most cases, Excel files contain vital information that we prefer to protect from unauthorized access. Consequently, we end up creating Excel files that have a security feature that demands a password to view or edit them. However, we sometimes forget the password or lose it, and that’s where we realize that protecting our files might hinder us from accessing our own data. But worry not, in this article, we will highlight some of the methods that can help you find password for a protected Excel sheet.
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What’s Needed
The following tools and software programs are required to find password for a protected Excel sheet:
- Passper for Excel
- Excel Password Recovery Master
- Microsoft Office Excel
- Third-party online password remover tools
What Requires Your Focus?
Finding password for a protected Excel sheet demands keen consideration of:
- The type of password used- The most common Excel passwords include a simple password, a highly secured password, or a password protected with VBA code.
- The urgency of accessing the data
- The level of security on the Excel sheet
- Your level of expertise on the tools used to find the password
Different Methods to Find Password for a Protected Excel Sheet
Method 1: Using Passper for Excel
Passper for Excel is an excel password unlocker that allows you to recover any lost password.
- Download and install Passper for Excel.
- Launch Passper for Excel and click the "Recover Passwords" button.
- Select the target file and then click "Next".
- Choose your preferred mode of attack- Dictionary Attack, Combination Attack, Brute-Force Attack, or Mask Attack, and the settings for the attack.
- Click on "Recover" and wait for Passper for Excel to retrieve the password.
Pros:
- It supports all Excel versions, including Excel 2019.
- It can recover passwords for Excel files secured with any password type.
- It offers a user-friendly interface that lessens the time needed to recover password
Cons:
- The software is not free, and you have to purchase it to use all its features.
- Its recovery speed may vary depending on the complexity of the password.
Method 2: Using Excel Password Recovery Master
Excel Password Recovery Master is another excel password unlocking software that can help you recover your Excel password.
- Download and install Excel Password Recovery Master.
- Launch the software and open your Excel sheet.
- Select the preferred method of attack under "Settings" -Dictionary, Brute-Force, Mask, or Customized.
- Click "Start" to begin the password recovery process and wait for the results.
Pros:
- It is affordable and offers a free trial version to test its compatibility before purchasing.
- It is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Excel.
- It uses various attack modes, which increases the chances of recovering the password quickly.
Cons:
- The free trial version only recovers the first character of the password.
- The recovery speed may vary depending on the password’s complexity.
Method 3: Using Microsoft Office Excel
Microsoft Office Excel includes a feature that allows you to unprotect an Excel sheet if you have forgotten or lost your password.
- Open the Excel sheet and enter the password if prompted.
- Select the "File" option on the home toolbar and click "Protect Workbook".
- Select the "Encrypt with Password" option.
- Highlight the existing password and delete it, then save the changes.
Pros:
- You don’t have to install any additional software or pay anything.
- It only takes simple steps to unprotect Excel sheets.
Cons:
- The process only works for simple passwords and not for highly secured passwords.
- If you want to protect the Excel sheet again, you have to create a new password.
Why Can’t I Find Password for a Protected Excel sheet?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to find password for a protected Excel sheet:
- The Excel sheet might be protected with a highly secured password.
- You may forget some of the password’s characters or its pattern.
- The task of finding the password might require more advanced tools or strategies you don’t have.
Fixes:
- You can try more advanced tools, such as Passper for Excel, which offers various attack modes and can retrieve even highly secured passwords.
- You could also try using online password remover tools as a last resort.
- If you don’t need the data urgently, you can try remembering the password over time.
Implications and Recommendations
Using password protection on Excel sheets offers a secure way of storing and sharing sensitive information. However, forgetting or losing the password can lead to tremendous frustrations and delays in accessing such information. Therefore, you should always ensure to keep a copy of the password in a secure location or with trusted individuals. Additionally, you should try to use easy-to-remember passwords, or at least note them down as this could save you a lot of time in the future.
5 FAQs about Finding Passwords for a Protected Excel Sheet
Q1: What is the best tool to find passwords for protected Excel sheets?
A: Passper for Excel is the best tool for finding passwords for protected Excel sheets due to the various attack modes it offers.
Q2: Can I protect an Excel sheet without a password?
A: Yes, you can protect an Excel sheet without a password by partitioning the sheets and using the "Protect Sheet" option in the Review tab.
Q3: Can I use online tools to find passwords for protected Excel sheets?
A: Yes, you can use online password remover tools such as LostMyPass, Excel Password, Online Password Recovery, and Free Password Remover as a last option.
Q4: Can I retrieve passwords for encrypted Excel files?
A: Yes, you can retrieve passwords for encrypted Excel files using third-party software such as Passper for Excel and Excel Password Recovery Master.
Q5: Is it legal to use third-party software to find passwords for protected Excel sheets?
A: Yes, it is legal to use such tools to recover passwords that you have forgotten or lost.
Final Words
Finding a password for a protected Excel sheet is a task that requires patience, attention to detail, and acquiring the right tools or expertise. You should also consider creating a comprehensive, yet easy-to-remember password that increases security and simplifies password recovery in case you forget or lose it. We hope this article has provided useful insights on how to recover passwords for your protected Excel sheets.