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Download eSoftTools Excel Password Unlocker Software and decrypt encrypted Excel (.xls.xlsx.xlsb.xlsm.xla.xlam.xltm) file password. With this application you can also recover Word file password and Access file password with all supported versions up to 2019 and Windows versions up to 10 (32-bit, & 64-bit). So I'm using Microsoft Excel 2016 at work and I have a.xlsx file which is password protected. However I do not know the password so the entire workbook is not opening. A password prompt pops up and I've tried over 100 times with different password with no luck. This page includes solutions on how to recover deleted Excel 2016, recover unsaved excel files, and restore crashed Excel on saving or opening files. If you are facing one of the problems in Windows 10/8/7, follow solutions here to perform Excel recovery and bring your lost Excel 2016 files back now. Step 1 Install and Run Excel Password Remover Tool and Add File First of all, download the program file and then install it accurately in any one of your working computer. From the tool's main window, choose the first option 'Recover Open Pasword from Excel'. Step 2 Add Excel File.
Note
Office 365 ProPlus is being renamed to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. For more information about this change, read this blog post.
Forgot Microsoft Password On Laptop
Summary
Microsoft Excel now has a built-in Auto-Recover feature that has replaced the Auto-Save add-in that exists in versions of Excel that are earlier than Microsoft Excel 2002. The Auto-Recover feature saves copies of all open Excel files at a user-definable fixed interval. The files can be recovered if Excel closes unexpectedly, for example, during a power failure.
This article contains an overview of the Auto-Recover feature.
More Information
How to configure the Auto-Recover settings
Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Excel 2010
The controls to configure the Auto-Recover feature are in the Save settings in Excel Options.
Note To open the Save settings, click the Microsoft Office Button in Excel 2007 or the File menu in Excel 2010, clickExcel Options in 2007 or Options in Excel 2010, and then click Save.
To configure the Auto-Recover settings, follow these steps:
Under Save Workbooks, click to select the **Save Auto-Recover info every check box to turn on the Auto-Recover feature.
In the minutes box, you can type any integer from 1 through 120. This box sets the number of minutes that will occur between saves.
The default is 10 minutes.
In the Auto-Recover file location box, you can type the path and the folder name of the location in which you want the Auto-Recover files to stay.
The default location is as follows:
drive:Documents and Settings*user_name*Application DataMicrosoftExcel
Notes
If the location that you type is local (on your hard drive) or is on a network drive, and if this location does not exist, you receive the following error message:
Cannot access directory path.
To determine the unique number that is associated with the message that you receive, press CTRL+SHIFT+I. The following number appears in the lower-right corner of this message:
100100
If you click to clear the Auto-Recover file location box but do not enter a new location, Auto-Recover files will continue to be saved to the location that you cleared. This will occur until you type a new location.
The Auto-Recover file location box remains empty until you type a new location.
You can turn off the Auto-Recover feature in an individual workbook. To do this, click to select the Disable Auto-Recover for this workbook only check box under the Auto-Recover exceptions for box. Make sure that the workbook name is selected in the Auto-Recover exceptions for box.
Microsoft Office Excel 2003 and earlier versions of Excel
The controls to configure the Auto-Recover dialog box are on the Save tab of the Options dialog box.
Note To open the Options dialog box, click Options on the Tools menu.
To configure the Auto-Recover dialog box, follow these steps:
Under Settings, click to select the **Save Auto-Recover info every check box to turn on the Auto-Recover feature.
In the minutes box, you can type any integer from 1 through 120. This box sets the number of minutes that will occur between saves.
The default is 10 minutes.
In the Auto-Recover file location box, you can type the path and the folder name of the location in which you want the Auto-Recover files to stay.
The default location is as follows:
drive:Documents and Settings*user_name*Application DataMicrosoftExcel
Notes
If the location that you type is local (on your hard drive) and if the location does not exist, you receive the following error message:
Cannot access directory path.
If the location that you type is on a network drive, you will not receive an alert until your first Auto-Recover attempt. You receive the following error message:
Microsoft cannot save Auto-Recover info to path. Please check the network connection or change the location on the Save tab of the Tools, Options dialog.
If you clear the Auto-Recover file location box but do not enter a new location, Auto-Recover files will continue to be saved to the location that you cleared. This occurs until you type a new location.
The Auto-Recover file location box remains empty until you type a new location.
You can turn off the Auto-Recover feature in an individual workbook. To do this, click to select the Disable Auto-Recover check box under Workbook options.
When an Auto-Recover event is triggered
When an Excel file is open and Auto-Recover is turned on, Auto-Recover does not save the file until the first change is made to the file, the Auto-Recover save time interval passes, and Excel has been idle for some time (the default is 30 seconds). After Auto-Recover saves the file, the file is only saved at subsequent save intervals if further changes are made.
When Auto-Recover files are deleted
To keep from filling up your Auto-Recover location with unneeded files, Auto-Recover files are automatically deleted in the following situations:
- When the file is manually saved.
- The file is saved with a new file name using Save As.
- You close the file.
- You quit Excel, whether you choose to save the file or not.
- You turn off Auto-Recover for the current workbook.
- You turn off Auto-Recover by clearing the Save Auto-Recover info every check box.
Auto-Recover save timing
The Auto-Recover timer checks for changed Excel files at the interval you set in the minutes box on the Save tab in the Options dialog box. The timer starts when you start Excel.
Note
In Excel 2007, the minutes box is in the Save category in the Excel Option dialog box. In Excel 2010, the minutes box is in the Save category under File, Options.
When the first save interval passes, Excel checks to see whether any open files have been changed. If Excel locates changed files, an idle timer starts. The purpose of the idle timer is to make sure that the user does not make entries in the worksheet while the save operation occurs. The idle timer restarts each time that the user makes an entry into the worksheet so the Auto-Recover save file is not created until both the save interval passes and no entries are made for the duration of the idle time.
The default idle time is 30 seconds. To change the default idle time, use the AutoRecoverDelay registry key. To do this, follow these steps.
Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
322756 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows
Quit Excel if it is running.
Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
Locate and then select one of the following registry keys, as appropriate for the version of Excel that you are running.
For Microsoft Excel 2002:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0ExcelOptions
For Excel 2003:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0ExcelOptions
For Excel 2007:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0ExcelOptions
For Excel 2010:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0ExcelOptions
On the Edit menu, click New, and then click DWORD value.
Type the following name for the new value:
AutoRecoverDelay
Press ENTER.
Right-click the AutoRecoverDelay registry key, and then click Modify.
In the Value data box, type a number between 1 and 600. This is the number of seconds before Auto-Recover tries to save.
When you are finished, click OK.
Quit Registry Editor.
Note
Only manually performed actions in the program affect the idle timer. Formulas that automatically update the file do not affect the idle timer. Excel saves the file when the idle time is reached, between the automatic updates to the formulas.
File formats that are saved by Auto-Recover
Auto-Recover saves all file formats that can be opened in Excel. To maintain speed and simplicity, Auto-Recover saves all files as the current Excel file format, regardless of the original file format opened. The file is saved as a hidden file with an arbitrary filename with the extension '.xar' (for example, ~ar18a.xar).
When you try to save a recovered file upon reopening Excel after it closed unexpectedly, the original file format and name is suggested as the Save file type. Excel stores the original file name and it's related '.xar' file name in the registry for the purpose of recovery.
Auto-Recover and multiple instances of Excel
When more than one instance of Excel is running and one instance closes unexpectedly, a new instance of Excel is automatically started and the Auto-Recover files are opened. If all instances of Excel close unexpectedly, but the computer is still running, a single instance of Excel is started and all Auto-Recover files are opened. In the case of a power outage, all recovered files are opened when you start Excel again.
Compatibility
All Auto-Recover settings, except the Disable Auto-Recover workbook option, are stored in the system registry. Auto-Recover settings are compatible with files from previous versions of Excel is not an issue.
When the Disable Auto-Recover workbook option is set, and the file is opened in an earlier version of Excel, saved, and then reopened in a later version of Excel, the Disable Auto-Recover workbook option is not affected.
References
For more information about how to troubleshoot errors when you save Excel files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
271513 How to troubleshoot errors when you save Excel files
'I forgot Excel password and can't open a password-protected file. Anyone help me unlock it or recover lost Excel password?'
Important Excel files are usually password protected, which is a layer of protection for data. Forgot password for Excel files is a nightmare, and everyone (including yourself) can't access these valuable data in it.
Thus, here, I summarize 4 effective methods to help you recover Excel password.
#1. File Extension
#2. VBA Code
Forgot Microsoft Excel Password
#3. VBAProject
Part 1. Overview of Recovering Forgotten Password on Excel file
This article will introduce 4 ways to recover Excel password and unlock: VBA code, VBAProject, file extension, and an Excel password recovery tool.
Each method has its own adaptability, and you need to know it in advance.
File Extension: Only available in Excel 2010 and earlier. Its recovery steps are complex. Anyone with a technical background can try it.
VBA Code: Only works with Excel 2010 and previous versions. It can only recover a single Worksheet password at a time. You need to repeat the operation for multiple times to open all Excel files.
VBA Project: Only suitable for password recovery for older versions of Worksheet. It is more complicated than the above methods, and it requires a VBA basis. The recovery rate is not high, but it is also a way of trying.
Excel Password Recovery Tool: Applies to all versions of Excel protected Workbook/Spreadsheet password recovery. It allows you to retrieve lost Excel passwords quickly and easily.
Part 2. Restore/Crack Forgotten Excel Passwords (Older Versions)
If you want to unlock the old version of Excel, you can try it in the following 3 ways. Although they are a bit complicated, they only require you to spend time instead of money.
#1. File Extension
Step 1. Create an Excel backup with password protection. This method usually does not affect the data in the Excel file, but for security reasons, you'd better create a copy of it in advance.
Step 2. Right-click on the Excel Worksheet and select 'Rename' to change the file extension from '.csv' or '.xls' to '.zip'.
Step 3. Open the ZIP file with the unzipped app and look for the file with the suffix '.xml'.
Step 4. Double-click the XML file to open it with the XML editor.
Step 5. Press the shortcut key 'Ctrl + F' to type 'SheetProtection' into the search box and find the field '' and save it.
Step 7. Change the '.zip' file back to '.csv' or '.xls' and press Enter to confirm your operation.
Now you have unlocked protected Excel's password.
#2. VBA Code
Step 1. Open the password-protected Excel and open the VBA editor with the shortcut 'Alt+F11'.
Step 2. Right-click the Excel file in the Project-VBAProject pane, select 'Insert', and then click the 'Module' option.
Step 3. Copy and paste the following VBA code into the 'General' window that appears.
Step 4. Click the 'Run' button or press the F5 key on your keyboard to run it.
Step 5. Now, the password consisting of the letters A and B pops up. Although it is not your original password, it allows you to access it even if you forgot Excel workbook/sheet password.
#3. VBAProject
Firstly, Create a New Virtual Excel File and Set a Password
Step 1. Create a new Excel file. Then click on 'Macros' in the menu bar that appears.
Step 2. Now enter any Excel name and click 'Create'. Its name is not important, but you can't skip this step.
Step 3. This range ('A1'). Value = 'Password Protected' code is copied and pasted into the VBA editor.
Step 4. Then click on the 'Tools' option in the editor and click on 'VBAProject Properties' in the drop-down list.
Step 5. Set a new password in the 'Protection' tab, you need to remember this password.
Step 6. Click 'OK' to save the Excel file as an XLSM file.
Secondly, Prepare the vbaProject.bin File
Step 7. Rename XLSM to a .zip file and open it with an unzip app. Then open vbaProject.bin under the xl folder.
Thirdly, start Recovering Lost Excell Password
Step 8. Use the shortcut 'Ctrl + F' to find the string starting with 'CMG ='. Now you need to enter the code shown below, starting with:
CMG =
DPB =
GC =
Step 9. Save this edited HEX file. Overwrite the original file with the edited vbaProject.bin file.
Step 10. Change its file name back to *.xlms or * .xls
Step 11. Now open the encrypted file, go to the 'Developer' tab and select 'Visual Basic', then click 'Project', you should see the password of the virtual document in the pop-up password prompt.
You can open an encrypted Excel file with this password. If you are using an older version of Excel, you don't have to worry if you've forgotten Excel password on Excel file.
Part 3. Best Solution to Forgot Excel Password 2013/2016/2017 (All versions)
For password recovery in Excel 2013/2016/2017, the first 3 methods are invalid. Now I will introduce a perfect tool for Excel password recovery - Password Genius to help you get out of the woods. Its versatility and user-friendly service are powerful weapons that make it far beyond peer software.
What Are the Advantages of Password Genius?
1. Ability to quickly recover/crack Excel password without losing data.
2. It can perform password recovery for RAR, Word, Excel, PPT, Access, Zip, and Outlook etc.
3. 99.9% recovery rate makes you feel safer and more comfortable.
4. Its trial version can restore Excel passwords up to 3 characters for free.
Steps for (MS) Microsoft Excel Password Recovery:
Step 1. Download and install Password Genius on the computer. You need to select the appropriate folder to save it.
Step 2. Launch it, then click the first option 'Recover Passwords for Files and Archives'. Of course, you can do this by selecting 'File and Archive Password Recovery' on the left.
Step 3. Select 'Excel Password Recovery' to restore the Excel password. You can also use this integrated software to crack passwords for Word, PPT, Outlook, RAR, ZIP and PDF.
Step 4. The folder icon with the + sign on the right can help you import the encrypted Excel file, click on it and select the desired file.
Step 5. Select the attack type and set the relevant options, then click the 'Start' option below. The 'Stop' button on the right allows you to stop recovery at any time.
There are 4 ways to break an encrypted file: 'Brute-force', 'Mask', 'Dictionary' and 'Smart'. Each attack has its own settings. The appropriate settings will speed up your recovery of the Excel password.
Now let's see how to make the best settings!
'Brute-force': As you can see, after selecting the 'Brute-force' mode, marking the relevant options under 'Length' and 'Range' can reduce the time it takes to recover the password.
'Mask': The 'Mask' attack takes one more step than the 'violent attack' and takes less time. After selecting mode and options, you need to enter the known password characters and replace the remaining unknown characters with '?' in the box to the right of 'Mask'.
'Dictionary': This attack mode requires you to create a TXT document in advance and type all possible Excel passwords in it. Then, select the 'Dictionary' attack mode and the 'Dictionary' tab, and click 'Select Dictionary' to choose the created TXT document.
'Smart': Selecting it means you can't change any settings, only let it automatically recover your password. This requires a higher cost of time.
Step 6. Click the 'Start' button to find and recover the password. After the following interface appears, 'Copy' the Excel password to the clipboard.
Another tool worth recommending is PassFab for Excel. When you forget your excel password, you can use Dictionary Attack, Brute-force with Mask Attack, Brute-force Attack three modes to recover excel password.
Tips: Why the First 3 Methods Fail to Recover Excel 2013/2016/2017 Password
The controls to configure the Auto-Recover dialog box are on the Save tab of the Options dialog box.
Note To open the Options dialog box, click Options on the Tools menu.
To configure the Auto-Recover dialog box, follow these steps:
Under Settings, click to select the **Save Auto-Recover info every check box to turn on the Auto-Recover feature.
In the minutes box, you can type any integer from 1 through 120. This box sets the number of minutes that will occur between saves.
The default is 10 minutes.
In the Auto-Recover file location box, you can type the path and the folder name of the location in which you want the Auto-Recover files to stay.
The default location is as follows:
drive:Documents and Settings*user_name*Application DataMicrosoftExcel
Notes
If the location that you type is local (on your hard drive) and if the location does not exist, you receive the following error message:
Cannot access directory path.
If the location that you type is on a network drive, you will not receive an alert until your first Auto-Recover attempt. You receive the following error message:
Microsoft cannot save Auto-Recover info to path. Please check the network connection or change the location on the Save tab of the Tools, Options dialog.
If you clear the Auto-Recover file location box but do not enter a new location, Auto-Recover files will continue to be saved to the location that you cleared. This occurs until you type a new location.
The Auto-Recover file location box remains empty until you type a new location.
You can turn off the Auto-Recover feature in an individual workbook. To do this, click to select the Disable Auto-Recover check box under Workbook options.
When an Auto-Recover event is triggered
When an Excel file is open and Auto-Recover is turned on, Auto-Recover does not save the file until the first change is made to the file, the Auto-Recover save time interval passes, and Excel has been idle for some time (the default is 30 seconds). After Auto-Recover saves the file, the file is only saved at subsequent save intervals if further changes are made.
When Auto-Recover files are deleted
To keep from filling up your Auto-Recover location with unneeded files, Auto-Recover files are automatically deleted in the following situations:
- When the file is manually saved.
- The file is saved with a new file name using Save As.
- You close the file.
- You quit Excel, whether you choose to save the file or not.
- You turn off Auto-Recover for the current workbook.
- You turn off Auto-Recover by clearing the Save Auto-Recover info every check box.
Auto-Recover save timing
The Auto-Recover timer checks for changed Excel files at the interval you set in the minutes box on the Save tab in the Options dialog box. The timer starts when you start Excel.
Note
In Excel 2007, the minutes box is in the Save category in the Excel Option dialog box. In Excel 2010, the minutes box is in the Save category under File, Options.
When the first save interval passes, Excel checks to see whether any open files have been changed. If Excel locates changed files, an idle timer starts. The purpose of the idle timer is to make sure that the user does not make entries in the worksheet while the save operation occurs. The idle timer restarts each time that the user makes an entry into the worksheet so the Auto-Recover save file is not created until both the save interval passes and no entries are made for the duration of the idle time.
The default idle time is 30 seconds. To change the default idle time, use the AutoRecoverDelay registry key. To do this, follow these steps.
Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
322756 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows
Quit Excel if it is running.
Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
Locate and then select one of the following registry keys, as appropriate for the version of Excel that you are running.
For Microsoft Excel 2002:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0ExcelOptions
For Excel 2003:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0ExcelOptions
For Excel 2007:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0ExcelOptions
For Excel 2010:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0ExcelOptions
On the Edit menu, click New, and then click DWORD value.
Type the following name for the new value:
AutoRecoverDelay
Press ENTER.
Right-click the AutoRecoverDelay registry key, and then click Modify.
In the Value data box, type a number between 1 and 600. This is the number of seconds before Auto-Recover tries to save.
When you are finished, click OK.
Quit Registry Editor.
Note
Only manually performed actions in the program affect the idle timer. Formulas that automatically update the file do not affect the idle timer. Excel saves the file when the idle time is reached, between the automatic updates to the formulas.
File formats that are saved by Auto-Recover
Auto-Recover saves all file formats that can be opened in Excel. To maintain speed and simplicity, Auto-Recover saves all files as the current Excel file format, regardless of the original file format opened. The file is saved as a hidden file with an arbitrary filename with the extension '.xar' (for example, ~ar18a.xar).
When you try to save a recovered file upon reopening Excel after it closed unexpectedly, the original file format and name is suggested as the Save file type. Excel stores the original file name and it's related '.xar' file name in the registry for the purpose of recovery.
Auto-Recover and multiple instances of Excel
When more than one instance of Excel is running and one instance closes unexpectedly, a new instance of Excel is automatically started and the Auto-Recover files are opened. If all instances of Excel close unexpectedly, but the computer is still running, a single instance of Excel is started and all Auto-Recover files are opened. In the case of a power outage, all recovered files are opened when you start Excel again.
Compatibility
All Auto-Recover settings, except the Disable Auto-Recover workbook option, are stored in the system registry. Auto-Recover settings are compatible with files from previous versions of Excel is not an issue.
When the Disable Auto-Recover workbook option is set, and the file is opened in an earlier version of Excel, saved, and then reopened in a later version of Excel, the Disable Auto-Recover workbook option is not affected.
References
For more information about how to troubleshoot errors when you save Excel files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
271513 How to troubleshoot errors when you save Excel files
'I forgot Excel password and can't open a password-protected file. Anyone help me unlock it or recover lost Excel password?'
Important Excel files are usually password protected, which is a layer of protection for data. Forgot password for Excel files is a nightmare, and everyone (including yourself) can't access these valuable data in it.
Thus, here, I summarize 4 effective methods to help you recover Excel password.
#1. File Extension
#2. VBA Code
Forgot Microsoft Excel Password
#3. VBAProject
Part 1. Overview of Recovering Forgotten Password on Excel file
This article will introduce 4 ways to recover Excel password and unlock: VBA code, VBAProject, file extension, and an Excel password recovery tool.
Each method has its own adaptability, and you need to know it in advance.
File Extension: Only available in Excel 2010 and earlier. Its recovery steps are complex. Anyone with a technical background can try it.
VBA Code: Only works with Excel 2010 and previous versions. It can only recover a single Worksheet password at a time. You need to repeat the operation for multiple times to open all Excel files.
VBA Project: Only suitable for password recovery for older versions of Worksheet. It is more complicated than the above methods, and it requires a VBA basis. The recovery rate is not high, but it is also a way of trying.
Excel Password Recovery Tool: Applies to all versions of Excel protected Workbook/Spreadsheet password recovery. It allows you to retrieve lost Excel passwords quickly and easily.
Part 2. Restore/Crack Forgotten Excel Passwords (Older Versions)
If you want to unlock the old version of Excel, you can try it in the following 3 ways. Although they are a bit complicated, they only require you to spend time instead of money.
#1. File Extension
Step 1. Create an Excel backup with password protection. This method usually does not affect the data in the Excel file, but for security reasons, you'd better create a copy of it in advance.
Step 2. Right-click on the Excel Worksheet and select 'Rename' to change the file extension from '.csv' or '.xls' to '.zip'.
Step 3. Open the ZIP file with the unzipped app and look for the file with the suffix '.xml'.
Step 4. Double-click the XML file to open it with the XML editor.
Step 5. Press the shortcut key 'Ctrl + F' to type 'SheetProtection' into the search box and find the field '' and save it.
Step 7. Change the '.zip' file back to '.csv' or '.xls' and press Enter to confirm your operation.
Now you have unlocked protected Excel's password.
#2. VBA Code
Step 1. Open the password-protected Excel and open the VBA editor with the shortcut 'Alt+F11'.
Step 2. Right-click the Excel file in the Project-VBAProject pane, select 'Insert', and then click the 'Module' option.
Step 3. Copy and paste the following VBA code into the 'General' window that appears.
Step 4. Click the 'Run' button or press the F5 key on your keyboard to run it.
Step 5. Now, the password consisting of the letters A and B pops up. Although it is not your original password, it allows you to access it even if you forgot Excel workbook/sheet password.
#3. VBAProject
Firstly, Create a New Virtual Excel File and Set a Password
Step 1. Create a new Excel file. Then click on 'Macros' in the menu bar that appears.
Step 2. Now enter any Excel name and click 'Create'. Its name is not important, but you can't skip this step.
Step 3. This range ('A1'). Value = 'Password Protected' code is copied and pasted into the VBA editor.
Step 4. Then click on the 'Tools' option in the editor and click on 'VBAProject Properties' in the drop-down list.
Step 5. Set a new password in the 'Protection' tab, you need to remember this password.
Step 6. Click 'OK' to save the Excel file as an XLSM file.
Secondly, Prepare the vbaProject.bin File
Step 7. Rename XLSM to a .zip file and open it with an unzip app. Then open vbaProject.bin under the xl folder.
Thirdly, start Recovering Lost Excell Password
Step 8. Use the shortcut 'Ctrl + F' to find the string starting with 'CMG ='. Now you need to enter the code shown below, starting with:
CMG =
DPB =
GC =
Step 9. Save this edited HEX file. Overwrite the original file with the edited vbaProject.bin file.
Step 10. Change its file name back to *.xlms or * .xls
Step 11. Now open the encrypted file, go to the 'Developer' tab and select 'Visual Basic', then click 'Project', you should see the password of the virtual document in the pop-up password prompt.
You can open an encrypted Excel file with this password. If you are using an older version of Excel, you don't have to worry if you've forgotten Excel password on Excel file.
Part 3. Best Solution to Forgot Excel Password 2013/2016/2017 (All versions)
For password recovery in Excel 2013/2016/2017, the first 3 methods are invalid. Now I will introduce a perfect tool for Excel password recovery - Password Genius to help you get out of the woods. Its versatility and user-friendly service are powerful weapons that make it far beyond peer software.
What Are the Advantages of Password Genius?
1. Ability to quickly recover/crack Excel password without losing data.
2. It can perform password recovery for RAR, Word, Excel, PPT, Access, Zip, and Outlook etc.
3. 99.9% recovery rate makes you feel safer and more comfortable.
4. Its trial version can restore Excel passwords up to 3 characters for free.
Steps for (MS) Microsoft Excel Password Recovery:
Step 1. Download and install Password Genius on the computer. You need to select the appropriate folder to save it.
Step 2. Launch it, then click the first option 'Recover Passwords for Files and Archives'. Of course, you can do this by selecting 'File and Archive Password Recovery' on the left.
Step 3. Select 'Excel Password Recovery' to restore the Excel password. You can also use this integrated software to crack passwords for Word, PPT, Outlook, RAR, ZIP and PDF.
Step 4. The folder icon with the + sign on the right can help you import the encrypted Excel file, click on it and select the desired file.
Step 5. Select the attack type and set the relevant options, then click the 'Start' option below. The 'Stop' button on the right allows you to stop recovery at any time.
There are 4 ways to break an encrypted file: 'Brute-force', 'Mask', 'Dictionary' and 'Smart'. Each attack has its own settings. The appropriate settings will speed up your recovery of the Excel password.
Now let's see how to make the best settings!
'Brute-force': As you can see, after selecting the 'Brute-force' mode, marking the relevant options under 'Length' and 'Range' can reduce the time it takes to recover the password.
'Mask': The 'Mask' attack takes one more step than the 'violent attack' and takes less time. After selecting mode and options, you need to enter the known password characters and replace the remaining unknown characters with '?' in the box to the right of 'Mask'.
'Dictionary': This attack mode requires you to create a TXT document in advance and type all possible Excel passwords in it. Then, select the 'Dictionary' attack mode and the 'Dictionary' tab, and click 'Select Dictionary' to choose the created TXT document.
'Smart': Selecting it means you can't change any settings, only let it automatically recover your password. This requires a higher cost of time.
Step 6. Click the 'Start' button to find and recover the password. After the following interface appears, 'Copy' the Excel password to the clipboard.
Another tool worth recommending is PassFab for Excel. When you forget your excel password, you can use Dictionary Attack, Brute-force with Mask Attack, Brute-force Attack three modes to recover excel password.
Tips: Why the First 3 Methods Fail to Recover Excel 2013/2016/2017 Password
Why are the first 3 methods only capable of recovering password from older versions prior to Excel 2010? You need to know the difference between the old version and the new version of Excel:
The length and complexity of the old Excel password do not change the extent of Excel file protection. You can use the first 3 technical methods to crack the Excel password.
For the latest version (for example, Excel 2013/2016/2017), Microsoft official offers more sophisticated technology and Excel protection methods, so hackers or technology cows cannot bypass password protection. In this case, Pro Excel password remover could be your choice.
The Bottom Line
When you forgot Excel password, you don't have to be anxious anymore. The 4 methods of Excel password recovery introduced in this article can quickly retrieve passwords for different versions of Excel. Simple or complex, free or paid, choosing the right plan to overcome password protection is the top priority.
I sincerely hope that these methods can get you out of your dilemma. If you have better solutions or more questions, share it below!
