7 Simple Methods To Crack Excel Workbook Passwords

Unlocking Excel workbooks can be essential for many professionals who find themselves locked out of important documents. If you’ve ever encountered a password-protected Excel file and have had difficulty accessing its content, this guide will help you discover 7 simple methods to crack Excel workbook passwords. 🗝️

Each method has its own pros and cons, and the effectiveness may depend on the complexity of the password and the version of Excel you are using. Let’s dive in!

1. Use Password Recovery Software

One of the most straightforward methods to crack an Excel workbook password is by using dedicated password recovery software. These tools are designed to efficiently recover or remove passwords from Excel files.

How to Do It:

1. Choose Reliable Software: Look for popular options like PassFab for Excel, Excel Password Recovery Lastic, or other reputable alternatives.
2. Install the Software: Download and install the software on your computer.
3. Open the Program: Launch the application and select the option to recover or remove an Excel password.
4. Upload Your File: Upload the password-protected Excel file you want to access.
5. Start the Recovery Process: Depending on the software, you may select different attack modes (Brute-force, Dictionary Attack, etc.). Initiate the process and wait for results.

Important Note:

<p class="pro-note">💡Pro Tip: Ensure the software you choose is from a reliable source to avoid malware or security issues.</p>

2. Utilize VBA Code

If you're comfortable with some basic coding, you can use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to remove the password.

How to Do It:

1. Open Excel: Start Excel, but don't open the locked workbook.

2. Open a New Workbook: Create a new workbook.

3. Access the VBA Editor: Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA Editor.

4. Insert a Module: Right-click on "VBAProject (YourWorkbookName)", hover over "Insert", and select "Module."

5. Copy and Paste the Code: Use the following code snippet:

   Sub PasswordBreaker()
       Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer
       Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer
       Dim a As String, b As String, c As String
       On Error Resume Next
       For i = 65 To 90
           For j = 65 To 90
               For k = 65 To 90
                   For l = 65 To 90
                       For m = 65 To 90
                           For n = 65 To 90
                               a = Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(n)
                               ThisWorkbook.Worksheets(1).Cells(1, 1).Value = a
                               ThisWorkbook.Worksheets(1).Cells(1, 1).Value = a
                               If ThisWorkbook.Worksheets(1).Cells(1, 1).Value = "YourPassword" Then
                                   MsgBox "Password found: " & a
                                   Exit Sub
                               End If
                           Next
                       Next
                   Next
               Next
           Next
       Next
   End Sub
   

6. Run the Code: Press F5 to run the code, and wait for it to attempt to break the password.

Important Note:

<p class="pro-note">⚠️ Pro Tip: This method may take a long time, especially for complex passwords, so be patient!</p>

3. Backup and Restore Method

If you have an older version of the file without a password, you can restore it through the backup. This method works best if you regularly back up your files.

How to Do It:

1. Locate the Backup: Search your system for any backup versions of the file.
2. Open the Backup: Verify that the backup version is unprotected.
3. Use or Save: If you find one, use that version or save it as a new file.

Important Note:

<p class="pro-note">💾 Pro Tip: Regularly backup your important files to avoid losing access in the future.</p>

4. HEX Editor Method

This method involves manipulating the file with a HEX editor to remove the password, suitable for advanced users.

How to Do It:

1. Create a Copy: Make a copy of your Excel file to avoid damaging the original.
2. Open with HEX Editor: Use a HEX editor tool like HxD or any other reliable HEX editor.
3. Search for Password: Search for the string “DPB” in the HEX editor. The password may appear right next to this.
4. Remove Password: Delete the characters corresponding to the password, then save the file.
5. Open Excel: Attempt to open the modified file in Excel.

Important Note:

<p class="pro-note">💣 Pro Tip: This method carries a risk of corrupting the file, so proceed with caution!</p>

5. Using Online Tools

There are various online tools that allow users to upload their Excel files to unlock them. This can be a quick way to regain access to a file, especially for short passwords.

How to Do It:

1. Search for Online Excel Unlock Tools: Look for tools like “LostMyPass” or “Excel Password Remover”.
2. Upload Your File: Follow the instructions to upload your locked Excel file.
3. Wait for Processing: The service will attempt to crack the password and provide you with a download link for the unlocked file.

Important Note:

<p class="pro-note">🌐 Pro Tip: Be cautious when uploading sensitive information to online services to protect your privacy.</p>

6. Use Previous Versions

If you’ve enabled file history or versioning, you may be able to revert to a previous version of the file without a password.

How to Do It:

1. Right-Click the File: Find the Excel file in Windows Explorer.
2. Select Properties: Right-click and choose "Properties."
3. Navigate to Previous Versions: Check the "Previous Versions" tab.
4. Restore an Earlier Version: If available, restore a version that isn’t protected by a password.

Important Note:

<p class="pro-note">🗃️ Pro Tip: This option works best if you have system restore points or file history enabled.</p>

7. Contact IT Support

If the Excel workbook is work-related and you can’t recover the password through the above methods, consider reaching out to your IT department. They might have tools or procedures in place for unlocking secured documents.

Important Note:

<p class="pro-note">🤝 Pro Tip: Always communicate transparently about the file to maintain trust and security protocols.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I recover a lost Excel password without any software?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can try the VBA method or revert to a backup version if available.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are online tools safe to use for cracking passwords?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Online tools can be risky since you upload sensitive files; always choose reputable services.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Will using a HEX editor damage my file?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, if not done carefully, it could corrupt the file, so ensure to back it up first.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if none of these methods work?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If all else fails, reaching out to IT support or a professional recovery service is recommended.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Recapping what we’ve covered, unlocking an Excel workbook password doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With various methods like using recovery software, VBA code, backup restoration, HEX editing, online tools, and consulting IT support, you have multiple pathways to access your files. Each method varies in complexity and reliability, so it's essential to assess which approach works best for your situation.

Don’t hesitate to practice these methods and explore related tutorials on Excel to improve your skills!

<p class="pro-note">🚀 Pro Tip: Always keep a backup of important files to avoid password issues in the future!</p>