5 Ways to Unprotect Excel Sheet Without Password 2019

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on unlocking an Excel sheet when you've lost your password. Whether you're facing a work emergency or need to access vital data, understanding the secure methods to unprotect an Excel sheet can be a lifesaver. Here, we'll walk through five effective and ethical ways to regain access to your Excel sheets in 2019.

Method 1: Use VBA Code to Unprotect Excel Sheet

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) offers a solution when you need to remove Excel sheet protection. Here’s how:

1. Open your Excel Workbook: Go to File > Open and select the file you wish to unprotect.
2. Access the VBA Editor: Press Alt + F11 or go to Developer > Visual Basic to open the VBA editor.
3. Find the Sheet: In the Project Explorer, find the sheet you want to unprotect.
4. Add VBA Code: Right-click on the sheet name and choose “View Code.” Copy and paste the following 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 = 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
     Worksheets(1).Unprotect Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6)
     If Err.Number = 0 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)
       Exit Sub
     End If
     Next i6: Next i5: Next i4: Next i3: Next i2: Next i1: Next m: Next l: Next k: Next j: Next i
   End Sub
   

5. Run the Macro: Close the VBA editor and press Alt + F8 to run the macro named “PasswordBreaker.”

🔐 Note: Running macros from untrusted sources can be risky. Always ensure your antivirus is up to date before using online-sourced VBA code.

Method 2: Online Excel Password Recovery Services

• Find a Reputable Service: Search for reliable online password recovery tools that claim to unprotect Excel sheets.
• Upload Your File: Select a service that doesn’t require you to upload your entire file but only the sheet’s protection properties.
• Follow Their Instructions: Usually, you’ll need to download a file with the protection removed or obtain a password to unlock your sheet.

Method 3: Use Hex Editor to Unprotect Excel Workbook

• Download a Hex Editor: Software like Hex Editor Neo or HxD can be useful.
• Open the Excel File: With the hex editor, open your password-protected Excel file.
• Locate the Protection Flag: Search for specific markers like “DPB” or “GC” that indicate password protection.
• Remove Protection: If you find these markers, overwrite or delete them, then save the file.

Method 4: Using Google Sheets to Bypass Excel Protection

• Open your Excel file in Google Sheets: Upload your Excel file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets.
• Copy Data: Google Sheets does not support Excel’s sheet protection, so you can freely copy data.
• Create a New Excel File: Export the data back to a new Excel file where the protection settings won’t apply.

🔒 Note: Some complex formulas or VBA code might not transfer correctly between platforms. Always verify critical data after this method.

Method 5: Software Tools for Unlocking Excel Sheets

There are numerous software solutions designed to unprotect Excel sheets:

• Excel Password Recovery: Tools like Excel Password Recovery Wizard or Gosoft Excel Password Recovery can crack passwords.
• Step-by-Step Process: Typically, you’ll install the software, load your Excel file, select the sheet, and initiate the recovery process.
• Be cautious: Use reputable software to avoid malware risks.

To wrap up, there are multiple ways to unlock an Excel sheet if you've misplaced the password. Each method has its advantages, from VBA code which is quick if you're familiar with macros, to software tools that offer automation, or even leveraging Google Sheets for an easy workaround. Ethical considerations should always guide your actions, especially in professional settings. Remember, respect for others' data and intellectual property is paramount.

Is it legal to remove Excel sheet protection without knowing the password?

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It depends on the context. If you legally own the data or have permission, it can be legal. However, it’s not ethical or legal to access data you’re not authorized to view or edit.

What if I accidentally overprotected my sheet?

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You can try using any of the methods above to unlock your sheet, but always ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

Can I use these methods for password-protected Excel workbooks?

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These methods generally focus on sheet protection. Workbook-level passwords might require different, often more advanced, tools or actions.