How to Unlock an Excel Password

Microsoft Excel is a popular spreadsheet application that comes with the Microsoft Office software suite. It is possible to protect your Excel documents internally with a password. These protected files cannot be edited unless the password is entered. If you wish to unlock an Excel file that has been password protected, use a macro that reports a usable password string.

Tips

• Unlocking an Excel file that you do not own may be illegal. Only unlock Excel documents when you have forgotten your password or are instructed to do so.
• A macro is a set of commands that carry out an automated task.
• The macro does not provide you with the original password, but one that will work in the locked workbook.

Warning

• Excel files that require a password upon opening cannot be unlocked with the macro.

References

• McGimpsey & Associates: Removing Internal XL Passwords

About the Author

I hold a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida where I majored in interdisciplinary studies and minored in digital media. My areas of study were computer science and business administration. I run a freelance computer repair business where I perform repairs either in-house or at customer's homes. I also have been writing professionally as a freelancer for three years -- specializing in technical writing.

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