Excel is a versatile tool often used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data. In business settings, spreadsheets are frequently protected to prevent unauthorized modifications or viewings. Whether you've forgotten the password or need to unlock a spreadsheet for legitimate purposes, learning how to unlock Excel 2013 sheets can save you time and ensure data accessibility.
Method 1: Using VBA Script
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is a powerful scripting language embedded within Excel. Here's how you can use it to unlock an Excel 2013 sheet:
- Open your Excel file where the sheet is protected.
- Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.
- Go to Insert > Module to create a new module.
- Paste the following VBA script:
Sub PasswordBreaker()
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 "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: Next
End Sub
💡 Note: Using this method, the script will try to unlock the sheet by brute-forcing possible combinations of passwords, which can be time-consuming for complex passwords.
Method 2: ZIP File Hack
This method involves unzipping the Excel file, editing the XML within, and then re-zipping:
- Change the extension of your Excel file from .xlsx to .zip.
- Extract the zip file with any zip utility like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Navigate to xl/worksheets where you'll find files like sheet1.xml to sheetX.xml.
- Open sheet1.xml with a text editor.
- Search for the keyword 'sheetProtection' and delete the entire
tag and its contents. - Save the changes and close the file.
- Re-zip the folder structure back into a ZIP file.
- Change the file extension back to .xlsx.
⚠️ Note: This method modifies the file structure, so ensure you have a backup of the original Excel file to prevent data loss.
Method 3: Online Password Remover Tools
If the above methods seem too technical, there are online tools designed to help unlock Excel sheets:
- Visit a reputable website offering password removal services for Excel files.
- Upload your protected Excel file.
- Download the file once the tool has removed the protection.
Here are some considerations when using online tools:
- Ensure the website is trusted to avoid security breaches.
- Be aware that some online services might alter your spreadsheet's formatting or content.
In summary, each of these methods offers a different approach to unlocking an Excel 2013 sheet. Whether you choose to use VBA scripts, manipulate the file structure, or rely on online tools, it's crucial to understand the potential risks and limitations:
- VBA scripts can be time-consuming for strong passwords.
- Modifying the file structure might not work with newer versions of Excel or could cause formatting issues.
- Online tools can pose security risks or change your data unintentionally.
Before proceeding, it's always wise to backup your Excel file to prevent any data loss. Remember, unlocking protected sheets should be done ethically and within your legal rights or permissions.
Is it legal to unlock someone else’s Excel sheet?
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Unlocking someone else’s Excel sheet can be considered illegal if you do not have their permission. Always ensure you have the right to access or modify the sheet before attempting to unlock it.
Can using these methods corrupt my Excel file?
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There’s a risk involved in modifying Excel files, especially when using methods like file structure manipulation. Always backup your file before attempting any unlocking process.
What are the alternatives to unlocking sheets?
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If you don’t need to modify the data, consider requesting the password from the creator or duplicating the sheet to an unprotected workbook for viewing purposes.
