5 Ways to Unlock Excel Sheets Without Passwords in 2016

5 Ways to Unlock Excel Sheets Without Passwords in 2016

In today's world, where data security is paramount, Excel sheets often come protected with passwords. However, there might be situations where you need to unlock an Excel sheet without the password. Whether you've lost the password, inherited a locked file, or need to access critical data urgently, understanding how to remove Excel password protection in 2016 can be incredibly useful. Here are five methods to unlock those Excel sheets:

Method 1: Using Google Sheets

• Upload to Google Drive: Log into Google Drive, upload your Excel file to your Drive.
• Import to Google Sheets: Open the file with Google Sheets, which will ignore the password.
• Download Back: Once opened in Google Sheets, you can re-download the file without the password.

Google Sheets often provides a quick and hassle-free method to unlock Excel sheets, especially for files that are not heavily encrypted. This method is ideal for smaller files since larger Excel documents might take some time to process.

Method 2: VBA Code to Remove Password

• Open Excel: Launch Microsoft Excel and open any workbook.
• Access VBA: Press Alt + F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor.
• Add Module: Go to Insert > Module and paste the following VBA code:

  
  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
  End Sub
  
  

• Run the Code: Press F5 to run the macro. If successful, it will display the password and unlock the sheet.

🔧 Note: This VBA method might take a while if the password is complex. It's brute-forcing through character combinations, so the more complex the password, the longer it might take.

Method 3: Zip File Exploitation

If you have access to the Excel file's zip version, you can use this method:

• Rename Extension: Change the file extension from .xlsx to .zip.
• Unzip the File: Use any unzipping software to extract the contents.
• Edit XML Files: Navigate to the xml folder, open the sheet1.xml file, and look for any protection-related tags.
• Remove Protection Tags: Edit these tags to remove or alter them, effectively removing the protection.
• Rename Back: Zip the file back together, rename the extension back to .xlsx, and open with Excel.

This method is based on understanding Excel's internal file structure and manipulating it. It requires basic knowledge of XML editing but can be very effective for files with basic protection.

Method 4: Hex Editor

For more technically inclined users:

• Backup: Always create a backup of the Excel file before attempting any edits.
• Hex Editor: Open your Excel file in a Hex Editor.
• Search for Strings: Look for the text strings related to password protection, typically "password" or "protection".
• Modify: Change or remove these strings, save the changes, and rename the file back to .xlsx.

Using a Hex editor to unlock Excel files is an advanced method, but it provides direct access to the file's structure, potentially allowing for the removal of more sophisticated protection mechanisms.

Method 5: Online Services

There are various online tools designed specifically for unlocking Excel files:

• Choose Wisely: Be careful when using online services; choose reputable ones with strong privacy policies.
• Upload File: Upload your Excel file to the service.
• Unlock: Use their features to unlock or remove the password protection.
• Download: Retrieve the unlocked file from the service.

🔍 Note: Online services might not be safe for sensitive data, and you should be aware of potential data breaches or unauthorized access when using these tools.

In summary, 2016 offered several creative and technical methods to unlock Excel sheets without the original password. Each method has its strengths, whether it's the simplicity of Google Sheets, the technical finesse of VBA coding or hex editing, or the convenience of online services. Choose the method that best fits your situation, keeping in mind the potential risks and the complexity of the protection in place. Remember, these techniques are meant for legitimate access to data you have the right to unlock, not for illegal activities or privacy violations. Always ensure you're within your legal and ethical boundaries when using these methods.

Is it illegal to unlock an Excel sheet?

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Unlocking an Excel sheet that you have legal access to or have forgotten the password for is not illegal. However, using these techniques to access sheets you don’t have permission for can be considered illegal and unethical.

Can these methods unlock any Excel file?

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No, the effectiveness of these methods depends on the complexity and type of protection used. For files with advanced encryption or password protection, these methods might not work, and you might need to contact the file’s creator for the password.

What are the risks of using online unlock services?

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Online services pose risks including data privacy issues, data breaches, and the potential for unauthorized access to your Excel files. Always ensure the service has a strong privacy policy, or consider not using them for sensitive data.

Is there a way to prevent others from using these methods to unlock my Excel sheets?

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Encryption is the most effective way to secure Excel files. Use strong, unique passwords and consider adding file-level encryption for an extra layer of protection. Also, regularly update Excel to benefit from the latest security enhancements.

What should I do if none of these methods work?

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If you’re unable to unlock your Excel file using the methods listed, consider professional data recovery services, or if possible, contact the person who created the password. Be prepared to explain your legal access rights to the document.