If you want to remove a password from an Excel document, there are a few things you can do. First, you can save the document with a new password and then protect it. Second, if you have access to the original file, you can try to crack the password using a password-cracking tool. Finally, if you don’t have access to the original file or the password is too complex, you can ask someone else for help. ..
Some Terminology
Removing the password from Excel refers to just that – making the file such that it does not have a password anymore. Breaking the password is again, like it sounds, breaking the password so you can gain access to the file. That could be a case where the password is broken on its way to removal or broken on its way to being cracked.
In the case of a forgotten password, you are figuring out how to gain access to the file.
Limitations
Many software programs and the multitude of other options available will only result in a dead end or limitation of some sort. For example, they will work for Excel 2007 but not for Excel 2016 or Mac. Or they will work for protection within the worksheet but not if you cannot open the file (open password).
The software options that will work for those items (i.e. Excel 2016, open password, Mac, etc.) will also work for older Excel programs.
When you purchase two programs, you are getting the best of both worlds. You are getting a program that will help you with the new files and a program that will help you with the older files. This is because both programs will solve your problem. The price is not absolutely terrible when considering all of the valuable software that costs $300-500.
Some free options to remove passwords from Excel: -Remove Password: This online tool allows you to remove passwords from a range of files, including Excel. -Excel Password Remover: This paid software offers a range of features to help you remove passwords from Excel files, including the ability to recover lost passwords. ..
Free Methods
- You should always keep your wallet closed when you are not using it.
- If you lose your wallet, you should immediately go to a store and get it back.
Make a backup of your file before you start working on it. More than one backup can be helpful, and even if there is some damage to the original file, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Two VBA Script Methods
To break into a Microsoft Excel password, you first need to fool the program. This can be done by using a VBA script, which is a programming language that is used to create and run scripts. By doing this, you can bypass the password checking mechanism and access the data you need without having to enter any personal information.
The less involved and geeky option is to try a different method first.
Public Declare Function excel_Worksheet_Open() As Boolean End Public Public Function excel_Worksheet_Open() As Boolean If excel. Worksheets.Count > 0 Then ’ open the sheet if it doesn’t exist excel. Worksheets.Open( False ) Else ’ open the sheet if it exists and have it ready for editing excel. Worksheets.Open( True )
After hitting the F5 button for the VBA script, you will know that the script has finished.
There are a couple of ways to edit a document on a Mac. One way is to start editing the file and then choose another option, like Save As. Another way is to use the temporary password that you can create and save.
Copy and paste the VBA script below into a new Excel workbook. Option 1: Open the excel file you want to copy/paste the VBA script from. Option 2: Click on the “File” button on the top left of your excel window, and then select “Open in new window.” In the new window, click on “New File.” In the “Name” field, type “Password Recovery Script.” In the “Location” field, type “C:\Users<username>\AppData\Roaming.microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.” Click on OK to close the excel window. Now that you have opened a new Excel workbook with password recovery enabled, you can copy/paste the VBA script below into that workbook.
John the Ripper Option
Remove Excel passwords with a more core approach: using the terminal. This is an effective method for general password cracking and has been used effectively for decades. Some of the other methods, like the software method(s), are probably easier and more effective, especially for the newer versions of Excel.
The VBA Script Method is effective for the John the Ripper method.
XML/Zip Method (Pre-Excel 2013)
If you have made a backup of the file, you can proceed to use the XML/Zip method to crack it. ..
To change the extension on a file from xls to zip, you need to find the XML file and extract it. Once you have the XML file, you can remove the tag that encloses it.
According to recent research, this method of file storage does not seem to work well and may only be effective for older files. ..
Other (Gathering Information)
There are other password recovery options that have been found to be less effective than Excel Password Recovery Lastic. It is an interesting option, but when tested it failed to impress, never making any headway. ..
That said, even if the program doesn’t complete the process of password cracking or removing, there is still some helpful information that can be gleaned from it. ..
After downloading and installing the software, you will be prompted to open the program. Once open, the software will scan your computer for viruses. ..
The program is useful in that it finds the Excel files that may need some help, meaning those that are password-protected.
You will notice that the first file in the list is a pre-2013 file with an extension of xls and the Password to open shows
The password for the first file in the list is password. It was set this way to keep the testing simple. However, even with an easy password, and more importantly, weak encryption (because of the version of Excel software), the Excel Password Recovery Lastic tool still recommended that another option be tried. It recommended a visit to Password-Find, which you can find more details about below. ..
Expectedly, the other files (xlsx) also received the same recommendation. If the software couldn’t process the easiest file, it wouldn’t be expected to process the Excel 2016 file. ..
If you have an Excel spreadsheet that is password protected, but you don’t know what type of protection it has, Password Recovery Lastic can help. When you open the software, it will automatically scan your file for protection information. ..
If you’re looking to open a file that’s been saved in a different format than what you’re used to, the
Password protect your Excel file with this software tool. By using it, you can at least determine whether the file is open and whether it has been modified. ..
This image shows a different file type. Knowing the type of protection the file has (as well as the version), can help identify which password cracking tool is needed, and this might save us time, energy, and possibly money.
This software may not have been able to crack the file, but it was instrumental in helping investigators understand the file and what steps to take next. ..
Paid Software Methods
To remove the password from Excel, you will need to duplicate the unopened file and make a backup. There are also other methods of backup, but it is important to make a couple of backups just in case something goes wrong.
Dr.Excel ($29.95)
I saw that ISeePassword offers a software package for cracking Excel passwords. They also offer options for normal Windows passwords, so they are a one-stop-shop.
The trial version of a software program can be a helpful way to see if the program is right for you before you spend money. There are plenty of software programs out there that offer a trial version, allowing you to evaluate before spending money.
When the installation is complete, be sure to click the box for Run ExcelPasswordRecovery.exe before clicking Finish. This software is also known as Dr.Excel. ..
The first step is to add the file in question. You can do that by clicking on Add File in the upper right-hand corner. Step 2 lets you pick the type of attack. The descriptions are pretty self-explanatory. The type of attack depends on what type of password you used.
If you don’t remember your password, you can try using a Dictionary Attack or a Brute-Force with Mask Attack. ..
Settings:
- Choose the type of attack you want to perform.
- Choose how many victims you want to affect.
- Choose how long the attack will last.
If you do not click on the Settings button, Dr.Excel kindly reminds you to do so and after clicking OK you can return and click on the Settings. ..
To start the attack, you will need to input the password into the software. The software can take a while to crack this password, so make sure you have plenty of time. ..
PassFab ($19.95/yr)
PassFab is a software solution that is popular among computer users. ..
If you do not turn away from the confirmation message or are not paying attention, your default browser may open with a warning that the software was successfully installed. The site is passfab.com, the same site that is the developer of the software and you are taken directly to the Quick Guide for help.
When you have finished with the website, return to the installation process and click the Finish button to open the program.
If you choose to crack the password-protected file, you will be prompted for a password.
You can choose between Dictionary Attack, Brute Force with Mask Attack, and Brute Force Attack.
GPU Acceleration is a technology that helps to manage the computer’s visual aspects in the most efficient manner. It is a faster processor than your computer processor and can speed up the attack considerably.
This screen allows you to customize the settings for your dictionary. If you have an idea of the password, you may want to list these possibilities in your customized dictionary.
If you have a password that you use regularly, and if you are forced to change it, adding a number or special character to it can help make the new password more difficult for someone else to crack. By including your password in your customized dictionary file, you can speed up the process of cracking the new password in Excel. ..
The PassFab software that was used for testing was a trial version to see if it worked. As you can see, the software managed to crack the password. Or at least we are assuming so, based on the number of characters and the first two characters that match.
The password for this file is 1234.
PassFab is a software company that wants you to be happy with the product before you have to spend any money. There are license options available, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best. Remember, that while a lifetime license is good value, if the company goes out of business the software will no longer receive updates.
Software licensing is a complex and often confusing topic. That is not to say that it can’t be done well, but it does present some challenges for businesses. One of the most common issues is that software licenses can be difficult to understand and manage. This can lead to problems down the line, such as missed deadlines or overspending on software licenses. ..
Excel Password Remover Pro (Varies)
The software package available at the time of writing is a variety of different types and services. Be sure to read the description before spending money.
Paid Online Methods
There are a variety of ways to get a quote from a source. You can submit your file for others to crack for you and give you a quote. There are also options available online that allow you to get quotes without having to go through the hassle of submitting your file.
Lastic’s software recommended the password-find option, which allowed us to quickly and easily determine the contents of the files in question.
The instructions are very clear. For example, the first step is to upload the file that you want cracked, or password removed.
In step two, it is important to select the approach. In this case, instead of thinking of type or method you are looking at the outcome. It is still a method/approach but decide what type of outcome you want. Do you want to remove the password in Excel or figure out what the password is?
The recommendation to remove the password is based on the testing done which showed that it is faster to save the file with another password.
The developers recommend the other option in cases where you may have several files and the same password for all of them. That makes sense because if you use the removal process and you have 50 files, you would have to go through that process 50 times.
If you crack one password and then use it to unlock 47 other passwords, you have saved time by figuring out the password for the 50 files.
This online solution was very impressive. There is still a waiting phase while the software does its work, but for testing on our Excel 2016 file it took seconds, not hours. ..
It is worth noting that this software allowed us to view the unprotected file, which other software did not. In this case, we were able to see the entire file in the preview, proving that it worked. ..
The View online option is available to you. Remember to click delete to remove your file so that you don’t leave your personal or business spreadsheets online somewhere. ..
Option A: You can purchase a product that will solve your specific problem. Option B: You can purchase a product that will solve the problem but not the entire problem.
Password-online.com is an online service that allows users to recover passwords for accounts that have been forgotten or stolen. The site has a simple one-step process that appears to be designed for all users. ..
You can now upload your encrypted file to the website. Just like the button says, follow along and you’re on your way.
You’ll be required to enter your email, allowing them to notify you when your file is ready. The speed at which you receive your file depends on how many files are ahead of yours, the level of complexity, and any other factors that may impact those providing the service.
This service is only 10 EUR, but it does not give an estimate on how long your file might take to complete. You might feel better paying a little more with some of the other options if you want more control over the process.
