How to Remove Excel Password Protection: A Comprehensive Guide

Microsoft Excel is an indispensable tool for data management, analysis, and reporting. However, protecting sensitive information within Excel files with passwords is a common practice. While password protection ensures data security, there are situations where you might need to remove the password, such as when you forget it or when a colleague who set the password is unavailable. Removing an Excel password can be tricky, but with the right methods and tools, it’s entirely achievable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to remove Excel password protection, covering different scenarios and Excel versions.

Understanding Excel Password Protection

Before diving into the methods, it’s essential to understand the types of password protection Excel offers. Excel provides several levels of password protection:

Password to Open: This password prevents anyone from opening the Excel file. Without the correct password, the file remains inaccessible.
Password to Modify: This password allows users to open and view the file, but they cannot make any changes or save the modified version without the correct password. They can only open it as “Read-Only.”
Password to Protect Sheet: This password protects a specific worksheet within the Excel file, preventing users from editing, deleting, or modifying the sheet’s content, structure, or formatting.
Password to Protect Workbook Structure: This password prevents users from adding, deleting, hiding, unhiding, or renaming worksheets within the workbook.
VBA Project Password: This password protects the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code within the Excel file, preventing unauthorized access and modification of the code.

The method you use to remove the password will depend on the type of protection applied to the Excel file.

Methods to Remove Excel Password to Open

If you need to remove the “Password to Open,” here are several methods you can try:

Method 1: Using Passware Kit (Third-Party Software)

Passware Kit is a powerful password recovery tool that can remove or recover passwords from various file types, including Excel files. While it’s a commercial software, it offers a trial version that might be sufficient for simpler passwords.

Download and Install Passware Kit: Visit the Passware website and download the trial version of Passware Kit. Follow the installation instructions to install the software on your computer.
Launch Passware Kit: Once installed, launch the Passware Kit application.
Add the Excel File: Click on the “Recover Password” option and then select “Microsoft Excel.” Browse to the location of the password-protected Excel file and add it to Passware Kit.
Select Recovery Method: Passware Kit offers various password recovery methods, including:
- Dictionary Attack: Tries passwords from a built-in or custom dictionary.
- Brute-Force Attack: Tries all possible combinations of characters until the password is found. This can take a very long time for complex passwords.
- Brute-Force with Mask Attack: Allows you to specify a pattern for the password, such as the length or types of characters used.
- Known Password/Part Attack: If you remember a part of the password, you can specify it to narrow down the search.
Choose the most appropriate method based on your knowledge of the password. A dictionary attack is often a good starting point for common passwords.
Start the Recovery Process: Click on the “Start” button to begin the password recovery process. Passware Kit will try different combinations until it finds the correct password.
Recover or Remove the Password: Once the password is recovered, Passware Kit will display it. You can then use the password to open the Excel file and remove the password protection by going to File > Info > Protect Workbook > Encrypt with Password. Delete the password from the field and click OK to remove the password.

Note: The trial version of Passware Kit might have limitations, such as only displaying a portion of the password. You may need to purchase the full version to recover the entire password.

Method 2: Using Online Excel Password Recovery Tools

Several online tools claim to recover Excel passwords. However, exercise caution when using these tools, as uploading sensitive files to unknown websites can pose security risks. Always research the tool and ensure it’s reputable before uploading your Excel file.

One example of such a tool is LostMyPass.com. The following steps detail how to use it (though remember the caveat about security!):

Visit the Online Tool’s Website: Go to the website of the online Excel password recovery tool. For example, you could go to LostMyPass.com.
Upload the Excel File: Look for an “Upload” or “Browse” button and select the password-protected Excel file from your computer.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions: Read the terms and conditions carefully before proceeding. Some tools may have specific clauses regarding data privacy and security.
Start the Recovery Process: Click on the “Start” or “Recover” button to initiate the password recovery process.
Wait for the Recovery to Complete: The online tool will attempt to recover the password. This process can take varying amounts of time, depending on the complexity of the password and the tool’s capabilities.
Retrieve the Password (If Successful): If the tool successfully recovers the password, it will display it on the screen. Use this password to open the Excel file and remove the password protection as described in Method 1.

Important Considerations for Online Tools:

Security Risks: Uploading sensitive files to online tools carries inherent security risks. Ensure the tool is reputable and uses secure encryption protocols.
Privacy Policies: Carefully review the privacy policies of the online tool to understand how your data is handled and stored.
Success Rates: Online tools may not be successful in recovering all passwords, especially those that are complex or use strong encryption.
Cost: Some online tools may charge a fee for their services, especially if the password recovery is successful.

Method 3: Using VBA Code (For Older Excel Versions – Excel 2003 and Earlier)

This method involves using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code to attempt to bypass the password protection. This method is primarily effective for older versions of Excel (Excel 2003 and earlier), as newer versions have stronger encryption that makes this method less likely to succeed. Modern excel’s password protection is much more robust.

Open the Excel File: Open the password-protected Excel file in Excel. If it prompts for a password and you don’t have it, just click “Cancel” to proceed.
Open the VBA Editor: Press Alt + F11 to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.
Insert a New Module: In the VBA editor, go to Insert > Module to insert a new module.

Enter the VBA Code: Copy and paste the following VBA code into the module:

Sub PasswordBreaker()
'Breaks Excel 97-2003 passwords
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 76: 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 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

Important Note: This code is provided for educational purposes only. Using it on files you do not own or have permission to access is unethical and potentially illegal.

Run the Code: Press F5 to run the VBA code. The code will attempt to brute-force the password.
Wait for the Code to Complete: The code will iterate through possible password combinations. This process can take a considerable amount of time, depending on the password’s complexity.
Check for the Password: If the code successfully unprotects the sheet, a message box will appear displaying the password.
Remove the Password Protection: Once you have the password, go to Review > Unprotect Sheet and enter the password to unprotect the worksheet. Then, save the file without a password.

Limitations of the VBA Code Method:

Limited Effectiveness: This method is primarily effective for older Excel versions and simple passwords. Newer versions of Excel have stronger encryption, making this method unlikely to succeed.
Time-Consuming: The brute-force approach can take a very long time, especially for complex passwords.
Potential Errors: The code might not work in all cases and could potentially cause errors in the Excel file.

Methods to Remove Excel Password to Modify

If the Excel file has a “Password to Modify,” the process is often simpler than removing a “Password to Open.” Here’s how:

Method 1: Opening as Read-Only and Saving a Copy

Open the Excel File: Open the password-protected Excel file.
Click “Read Only”: When prompted for the password to modify, click the “Read Only” button. This will open the file in read-only mode.
Save a Copy: Go to File > Save As and save a copy of the file with a different name or in a different location.
Close and Reopen the Copy: Close the original file and open the copy you just saved. The copy should no longer be password-protected for modification.

This method works because saving a copy of the file creates a new file without the original password protection settings.

Method 2: Using a Hex Editor (Advanced Users)

This method involves using a hex editor to modify the file’s binary data and remove the password protection. This method is more complex and requires a good understanding of file structures and hexadecimal editing. Incorrectly modifying the file can corrupt it, so proceed with caution and back up the file before attempting this method.

Download and Install a Hex Editor: Download and install a hex editor on your computer. Popular options include HxD, Frhed, and Hex Workshop.
Open the Excel File in the Hex Editor: Launch the hex editor and open the password-protected Excel file.
Search for the Password Protection Flag: Use the hex editor’s search function to find specific hexadecimal values that indicate password protection. The specific values to search for may vary depending on the Excel version, but common search terms include: “50 4B 03 04” and look for surrounding XML structures related to protection. Examine the XML, which will usually be relatively easy to read, for the tag <fileSharing loadReadOnly=”1″…> or similar.
Modify the Hexadecimal Values: Once you find the relevant hexadecimal values, modify them to disable password protection. This typically involves changing a flag value from “1” to “0” or deleting the password protection related XML structures. Locating and altering the XML is the preferred way to do this.
Save the Modified File: Save the changes to the Excel file.
Open the Modified File in Excel: Open the modified Excel file in Excel. It should now be open for editing without requiring a password.

Important Considerations for Using a Hex Editor:

Backup: Always create a backup of the Excel file before attempting to modify it with a hex editor.
Complexity: This method is complex and requires advanced technical knowledge.
Risk of Corruption: Incorrectly modifying the file can corrupt it and make it unusable.
Excel Version Compatibility: The specific hexadecimal values to search for may vary depending on the Excel version.

Methods to Remove Excel Sheet or Workbook Protection Password

If you need to remove a password that protects a specific sheet or the workbook structure, here are some methods you can use:

Method 1: Using VBA Code (More Effective Than Password to Open)

This VBA code method is generally *more* reliable than the password to open VBA method because of the different level of encryption applied. It can still take a substantial amount of time.

Open the Excel File: Open the password-protected Excel file.
Open the VBA Editor: Press Alt + F11 to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.
Insert a New Module: In the VBA editor, go to Insert > Module to insert a new module.
Enter the VBA Code: Copy and paste the appropriate VBA code into the module. There are two versions – one to attempt to unprotect *all* sheets, and one to unprotect the entire workbook structure. Choose the version appropriate for your situation. If you are unsure, run both.
Code to Unprotect All Sheets:
```
Sub UnprotectAllSheets()
Dim ws As Worksheet
On Error Resume Next
For Each ws In ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets
ws.Unprotect Password:=""
Next ws
MsgBox "All sheets unprotected (if they had a simple password)."
End Sub
```
Code to Unprotect Workbook Structure:
```
Sub UnprotectWorkbook()
On Error Resume Next
ActiveWorkbook.Unprotect Password:=""
MsgBox "Workbook structure unprotected (if it had a simple password)."
End Sub
```
Important Note: This code is provided for educational purposes only. Using it on files you do not own or have permission to access is unethical and potentially illegal.
Run the Code: Press F5 to run the VBA code.

Check the Sheets/Workbook: After the code runs, check if the sheet(s) or workbook are now unprotected. If the password was simple, this method might work quickly. If it does *not* work quickly, then the password is more complex and will likely require a brute force approach.

Brute Force VBA Code (Unprotect Sheet)

Sub UnprotectSheet()
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 76
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 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

Brute Force VBA Code (Unprotect Workbook)

Sub UnprotectWorkbookStructure()
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 76
For n = 32 To 126
ActiveWorkbook.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 ActiveWorkbook.ProtectStructure = False Then
MsgBox "One 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

Remove the Password Protection: If the code successfully unprotects the sheet, a message box will appear displaying the password. Then go to Review > Unprotect Sheet (or Review > Unprotect Workbook) and enter the password to unprotect the sheet.

Method 2: Manually Removing Sheet Protection (If You Know the Password)

If you know the password used to protect the sheet, removing the protection is straightforward:

Select the Protected Sheet: Open the Excel file and select the sheet that is password-protected.
Go to Review Tab: Click on the “Review” tab in the Excel ribbon.
Click “Unprotect Sheet”: In the “Changes” group, click on the “Unprotect Sheet” button.
Enter the Password: A dialog box will appear, prompting you to enter the password. Enter the correct password.
Click OK: Click the “OK” button. The sheet is now unprotected, and you can edit it freely.

Method 3: Manually Removing Workbook Structure Protection (If You Know the Password)

If you know the password used to protect the workbook structure, follow these steps:

Go to Review Tab: Click on the “Review” tab in the Excel ribbon.
Click “Unprotect Workbook”: In the “Changes” group, click on the “Unprotect Workbook” button.
Enter the Password: A dialog box will appear, prompting you to enter the password. Enter the correct password.
Click OK: Click the “OK” button. The workbook structure is now unprotected, and you can add, delete, hide, or unhide sheets.

Methods to Remove VBA Project Password

If the VBA project within your Excel file is password-protected, you can use the following methods to attempt to remove the password:

Method 1: Using a Hex Editor (Advanced Users)

Similar to removing a “Password to Modify” with a hex editor, this method involves modifying the VBA project’s binary data. This is an advanced method and should be attempted with caution. Always back up the file before attempting this method.

Download and Install a Hex Editor: Download and install a hex editor on your computer.
Open the Excel File in the Hex Editor: Launch the hex editor and open the password-protected Excel file.
Search for VBA Project Information: Search for the VBA project’s information within the file. This can be complex, as the exact location and format may vary depending on the Excel version. Look for strings like “DPB,” “GC,” or “CMG”, which are often associated with VBA project passwords.
Modify the Hexadecimal Values: Modify the hexadecimal values associated with the password protection. This typically involves deleting or modifying specific bytes related to the password hash or encryption. This is not a trivial process!
Save the Modified File: Save the changes to the Excel file.
Open the Modified File in Excel: Open the modified Excel file in Excel and attempt to access the VBA project (Alt + F11). If successful, the VBA project should be accessible without a password.

Important Considerations for Using a Hex Editor with VBA Projects:

Backup: Always create a backup of the Excel file before attempting to modify it with a hex editor.
Complexity: This method is very complex and requires advanced technical knowledge of VBA project file structures.
Risk of Corruption: Incorrectly modifying the file can corrupt it and make the VBA project or the entire Excel file unusable.
Excel Version Compatibility: The specific hexadecimal values to search for may vary significantly depending on the Excel version.

Method 2: Using VBA Password Recovery Tools (Specialized Software)

There are specialized software tools designed specifically for recovering or removing VBA project passwords. These tools often use advanced techniques to crack the password or bypass the protection.

One example of such a tool is VBA Password Recovery Master. Please do your own research to determine the safety and effectiveness of any software you choose to use.

Download and Install VBA Password Recovery Tool: Download and install a VBA password recovery tool from a reputable source.
Launch the Tool and Open the Excel File: Launch the VBA password recovery tool and open the password-protected Excel file.
Start the Recovery Process: Follow the tool’s instructions to initiate the password recovery process. The tool will attempt to crack the password using various techniques.
Retrieve the Password (If Successful): If the tool successfully recovers the password, it will display it on the screen.
Access the VBA Project: Use the recovered password to access the VBA project in Excel (Alt + F11).
Remove the Password Protection: In the VBA editor, go to Tools > VBAProject Properties. In the “Protection” tab, uncheck the “Lock project for viewing” checkbox and remove the password. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Important Considerations for Using VBA Password Recovery Tools:

Reputability: Choose a VBA password recovery tool from a reputable source to avoid malware or security risks.
Success Rates: VBA password recovery tools may not be successful in recovering all passwords, especially those that are complex or use strong encryption.
Cost: Some VBA password recovery tools may charge a fee for their services, especially if the password recovery is successful.

General Tips and Precautions

Backup Your Files: Before attempting any password removal methods, always create a backup of your Excel file. This will prevent data loss if something goes wrong during the process.
Be Patient: Password recovery can be a time-consuming process, especially for complex passwords. Be patient and allow the tools or methods to complete their tasks.
Use Strong Passwords: When protecting your Excel files with passwords, use strong and unique passwords that are difficult to guess or crack. This will enhance the security of your data.
Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your Excel software and operating system to ensure you have the latest security patches and protection against vulnerabilities.
Consider Alternative Security Measures: If password protection is not sufficient for your needs, consider using alternative security measures, such as data encryption or access control systems.
Ethical Considerations: Only attempt to remove passwords from files you own or have explicit permission to access. Unauthorized access to password-protected files is illegal and unethical.

Conclusion

Removing Excel password protection can be challenging, but it’s often necessary when you forget a password or need to access a file protected by someone else. By understanding the different types of password protection and using the appropriate methods, you can successfully remove the password and regain access to your data. Remember to exercise caution when using third-party tools or modifying file data directly, and always prioritize data security and ethical considerations.

This comprehensive guide has provided you with a range of methods to remove Excel password protection, covering different scenarios and Excel versions. Choose the method that best suits your needs and technical skills, and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome.

How to Do

Get clear, simple answers to all your questions. We resolve your doubts.