How to Unlock Excel File

Microsoft Excel is a widely used spreadsheet program with advanced tools and features for organizing, analyzing, and managing data. However, users may encounter issues when attempting to access a password-protected Excel file. Password-protected Excel documents can pose a challenge for users who want to access their data but do not have the correct password. In this blog post, we will discuss how to unlock Excel files and provide a step-by-step guide on how to access your data.

Why Unlock an Excel File?

Excel files are often password-protected for security purposes, which can make it challenging for users to access their data or carry out necessary edits. An Excel file may be locked due to various reasons. For instance, it could be due to a forgotten password, an inherited file with unknown protection settings, or an Excel file downloaded from the internet that requires a password to access. Whatever the reason, unlocking and accessing the data is critical. Otherwise, the purpose of the file is defeated.

Unlocking an Excel File

Method 1: Using Known Password

If you know the password, unlocking an Excel file is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps:

1. Open the password-protected Excel file
2. Input the correct password and click “OK.”
3. The file will now be unlocked, and you can view, edit, or save the file without restrictions.

Method 2: Unlocking Excel File with VBA Code

If you forgot or don’t know the password, the only alternative is to make use of VBA to unlock the file. Follow these steps:

1. Open a new Excel file and press ALT + F11 keyboard keys.
2. Select “Insert” and choose “Module.”
3. Paste the following code in the VBA editor:

Sub ExcelUnlocker()    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: NextEnd Sub

4. In the code editor, click “Run,” and the Excel file will be unlocked automatically without a password.

Method 3: Using Online Tools

If you do not have the time or technical knowledge to use VBA, you can use online tools to unlock Excel files. Follow the steps below:

1. Visit a trusted website that has an Excel password remover tool and upload the password-protected Excel file.
2. Wait a few minutes for the website to remove the password.
3. Download the unlocked version of the file and save it to your computer.

Conclusion

Excel files provide one of the best ways to organize, store, and manage data. However, when an Excel file is locked, accessing the data can be a significant challenge. As demonstrated above, unlocking an Excel file is simple and straightforward. You can use known passwords, VBA code to unlock the file, or opt for online tools. Take advantage of these methods to unlock files and have full access to your data.

Preventing Locked Excel Files

One way to avoid locked Excel files is to use reliable passwords that are easy to recall. However, your password shouldn’t be too easy for anyone to guess. Otherwise, hackers can access and alter your data. Here are some tips to prevent locked Excel files:

1. Use a mixture of upper case and lower case letters, symbols, and numbers when creating passwords. Also, avoid using dictionary words or personal information that can be easily identified.
2. Enable file permission settings to allow other individuals to access specific sections of your Excel file while protecting the rest.
3. Save a backup file in a safe and secure location, preferably not on your computer. This will ensure that you will have access to your data even if the original file becomes corrupted or lost.

Excel File Recovery

Excel files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as viruses, hard drive failures, or software problems. If you are unable to access your Excel files due to corruption, consider using third-party data recovery tools such as Stellar Data Recovery, Data Rescue, or Recuva. These tools can recover lost or damaged data even when the file is severely damaged or deleted.

Final Thoughts

Locked Excel files can be frustrating if you don’t know how to access your data. The good news is that unlocking Excel files is often simple and straightforward. In this post, we have provided three solid methods for unlocking Excel files. Follow these steps, and you will be able to access your data with ease. Remember to prevent locked Excel files with secure passwords and regular backups. Lastly, leverage third-party data recovery tools if you find yourself unable to recover lost data.

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about unlocking Excel files:

Can I unlock an Excel file without a password?

If you have forgotten the password to your Excel file, you can use a VBA code method or an online tool to unlock the file without a password. These methods are effective in unlocking Excel files without a password.

What if I don’t want to use VBA to unlock Excel files?

If you don’t want to use VBA code to unlock Excel files, you can download an Excel password remover tool from a trusted website and unlock the file without using VBA. These tools are easy to use, and no technical knowledge is required.

How can I set a password for my Excel file?

To set a password for your Excel file, open the file and click “File,” then “Info,” then “Protect Workbook.” Then, select “Encrypt with Password” and insert the password you want to set. This will password-protect your Excel file.

How can I change the password to an Excel file?

To change the password to an Excel file, open the file and click “File,” then “Info,” then “Protect Workbook.” Then, select “Encrypt with Password” and insert the new password. This will change the password to your Excel file.

How can I recover a corrupted Excel file?

To recover a corrupted Excel file, you can use third-party data recovery tools such as Stellar Data Recovery, Data Rescue, or Recuva. These tools can recover lost or damaged data even when the file is severely damaged or deleted.