5 Ways to Unprotect Excel Sheets 2016 Instantly

Excel spreadsheets are a staple in business, finance, project management, and personal organization, but occasionally you might find yourself in a situation where you need to edit a protected Excel sheet. Whether the password was forgotten, or you've inherited a sheet without access rights, removing sheet protection can seem like an intimidating task. In this detailed guide, we will explore five instant methods to unprotect Excel sheets in Microsoft Excel 2016. Each method is designed to cater to different scenarios and user requirements, ensuring you can get back to making changes in no time.

Method 1: Using a VBA Macro

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the programming language of Excel, and it can be harnessed to break sheet protection.

• Open Excel and the workbook with the protected sheet.
• Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA Editor.
• In the VBA Editor, double-click on the workbook in the Project Explorer.
• Insert a new module by right-clicking and selecting ‘Insert’ > ‘Module’.
• Paste the following code into the module:

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 = 32 To 126: For m = 32 To 126: For i1 = 32 To 126
    For i2 = 32 To 126: For i3 = 32 To 126: For i4 = 32 To 126
    For i5 = 32 To 126: For i6 = 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)
    If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
        MsgBox “Success!”
        Exit Sub
    End If
    Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
    Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
End Sub
    

• Close the VBA Editor and run the macro by clicking the ‘View Macros’ button or by pressing ALT + F8.
• Select the macro and click ‘Run’.

💡 Note: This method should be used ethically. Ensure you have the right to access the data before attempting to bypass protection.

Method 2: Using Hex Editor

Hex editors allow you to edit binary files, which can be used to alter the Excel file structure and remove protection.

• Open a hex editor like HxD.
• Open your Excel file in the hex editor.
• Search for ‘DPB’ or ‘DBx’ strings, which indicate the location of the password.
• If found, replace the data following these strings with blank spaces.
• Save the file and open it in Excel.
• The sheet should now be unprotected.

💻 Note: This method requires some technical know-how and could corrupt your file if not done correctly.

Method 3: Using PassFab for Excel

PassFab for Excel is a powerful tool designed to unlock Excel files.

• Download and install PassFab for Excel.
• Open the software and select ‘Recover Lost Excel Password’.
• Load your Excel file into the program.
• Choose your attack mode (Dictionary, Brute-force, or Mask).
• Click ‘Start’ to begin the recovery process.
• Once the password is found, use it to unprotect the sheet.

🔒 Note: This method involves purchasing third-party software, but it’s a fast and guaranteed way to regain access.

Method 4: Online Tools

There are online tools available that claim to unlock Excel spreadsheets. Please use these with caution.

• Go to a trusted online password recovery service.
• Upload the protected Excel file.
• Choose the method for recovering the password.
• Download the file once processed.

⚠️ Note: Be wary of privacy concerns when uploading sensitive information online. Also, not all services guarantee success.

Method 5: Try Common Passwords or Known Passcodes

Sometimes, protection might have been applied with simple, easily guessed passwords.

• Try common passwords like ‘1234’, ‘password’, or default passwords used in your organization.
• If known, try using passcodes associated with the user or creator of the sheet.

💡 Note: This method is straightforward but relies on basic security practices being overlooked by the sheet’s creator.

In the process of unlocking or unprotecting Excel sheets, it's paramount to exercise ethical considerations and adhere to your organization's security policies. These methods should not be misused for malicious purposes or to access data without permission. Remember, these tools and techniques are provided for legitimate use cases like retrieving your own files or aiding in recovery when passwords are lost.

Each method offers a unique approach to unprotecting Excel sheets, catering to different user skill levels and the context of protection. Whether you're an IT professional needing to access locked sheets, a user who has forgotten their password, or someone who inherited an Excel file, these techniques can help you regain access to the data without needing to rewrite or recreate your work.

Always be cautious when using tools that modify or access sensitive data. Regularly backing up your Excel files, using strong passwords, and following best practices for data protection can prevent the need for such drastic measures. However, knowing how to unprotect an Excel sheet when necessary is a valuable skill that can save time and frustration.

Is it legal to unprotect an Excel sheet that isn’t mine?

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It’s illegal and unethical to unprotect an Excel sheet without the owner’s permission. These methods should only be used for files you have the right to access or unlock.

Can unprotecting sheets corrupt my Excel file?

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Yes, especially if done incorrectly through hex editing or other binary manipulation methods. Always back up your file before attempting any unlock.

What are the risks of using online tools to unprotect Excel sheets?

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The main risks are privacy breaches and potential data theft. Avoid uploading sensitive data to unknown or untrusted services.