How Do I Unprotect an XLSM File? Complete Guide

Summary

An XLSM file, a macro-enabled Excel file, plays a crucial role in automating repetitive tasks within spreadsheets. These files are often protected to prevent unauthorized access or modifications. But what happens when you lose the password or unlock protected VBA project urgently? This guide provides step-by-step methods for unprotecting an XLSM file, from manual techniques to automated solutions. Let’s dive in and explore the best ways to regain access to your locked XLSM files.

Introduction

Excel’s macro-enabled files, with their .xlsm extension, are indispensable tools for businesses and professionals. These files can contain Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code, allowing for advanced functionalities beyond standard Excel operations. Users often secure these files with passwords to protect sensitive data or code.??

However, circumstances like forgotten passwords or inherited files without proper access details can lead to roadblocks. Knowing how to unprotect an XLSM file is vital to ensuring your work isn't hindered by locked content.

1. What Is an XLSM File and Why Is It Protected?

XLSM files are Excel spreadsheets that support macros. These macros automate tasks, enhance productivity, and are written in VBA. These also prevent unauthorized editing of macros and protect formulas, scripts, or proprietary information. Also, it shares files without risking accidental changes.??

Methods to Unprotect an XLSM File

Method 1: Remove Workbook Protection via Excel (If Password Is Known)

If you have the password for the protected XLSM file, follow these steps:

1. Open password Protected XLSM File- Launch Microsoft Excel and open the file. You’ll likely encounter restrictions such as limited access to editing.
2. Access the Protection Settings- Navigate to the Review tab in the toolbar. Then, click on Unprotect Workbook or Unprotect Sheet, depending on the type of protection.
3. Enter the Password- A pop-up will prompt you to enter the password. Afterthat, type the correct password and click OK.
4. Save the File- Once the protection is removed, save the file to preserve the changes.

This method is straightforward but requires knowing the password.

Note- When You Don’t Know the Password, Consider alternate methods, like editing the file in a hex editor.??

Method 2: Using VBA Code to Remove Worksheet or Workbook Protection

This approach uses Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to bypass protection. It’s ideal when you can access the VBA editor but don’t know the password.

Steps to Remove Protection Using VBA Code

1. Open the XLSM File in Excel- Load the protected file in Excel.
2. Launch the VBA Editor- Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor and in the editor, navigate to Insert > Module to add a new code module.
3. Paste the VBA Code- Copy and paste the following code into the module:

Sub UnprotectSheet()

????Dim ws As Worksheet

????For Each ws In ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets

????????ws.Unprotect Password:=""

????Next ws

End Sub

This code iterates through each worksheet and removes the protection, even without a password.

Run the VBA Code

• With the cursor inside the code, press F5 or click Run > Run Sub/UserForm.
• The macro will execute, and protection will be lifted from all sheets.
• Save the File and save the changes to ensure the protection settings are permanently removed.

Method 3: Editing the File Using a Hex Editor (For Advanced Users)

If the XLSM file has workbook-level protection and you cannot access it through Excel or VBA, a hex editor can be used to manipulate the file.

Steps to Unprotect an XLSM File Using a Hex Editor

Step 1. Rename the XLSM File Extension

• Locate the XLSM file on your system.
• Right-click the file and choose Rename.
• Change the extension from .xlsm to .zip.

Example: example.xlsm → example.zip

Step 2. Extract the File Contents

• Use a file extraction tool (e.g., WinRAR, 7-Zip) to extract the contents of the .zip file.
• Navigate to the folder containing the extracted files.

Step 3. Locate the Workbook XML File

• Inside the extracted folder, go to the xl directory.
• Open workbook.xml in a text or hex editor.

Step 4. Modify the Protection Tag

Look for XML tags related to protection, such as <sheetProtection> or <workbookProtection>.

Delete or comment on these tags.

Example of a protection tag: <sheetProtection algorithmName="SHA-512" hashValue="..." saltValue="..." spinCount="100000" />

• Remove the entire line or modify it to disable protection.

Step 5. Repackage the File

• Save the modified workbook.xml file.
• Compress all the extracted files back into a .zip archive.
• Rename the .zip file back to .xlsm.

Step 6. Open the File in Excel

• Open the modified XLSM file in Excel.
• The protection should now be removed.

Warning- This method requires technical skills and can corrupt the file if not performed correctly. Always back up your original file before making changes.

By following these steps, you can manually unprotect an XLSM file. If these methods seem too technical, using automated software would be the best choice for you.

Method 4. Automated Method to unprotect XLSM file

When manual methods fail or are too complex, SysTools VBA Password Recovery offers a straightforward, efficient solution

Watch the video to know how smoothly software unprotect the .xlsm files.

The Advanced Features of the Software

• Capable of removing passwords from complex, multilingual VBA files, including various formats such as .doc, .xls, .mdb, .pptm, and more.
• Compatible with a wide range of Microsoft Office file formats, including Word (.doc, .docm), Excel (.xls, .xlsm), Access (.mdb), PowerPoint (.pptm), and various macro formats (.xltm, .xlsb, .xlam, .dotm).
• Offers three recovery methods—Brute Force Attack, Dictionary Attack, and Mask Attack—for optimal password recovery based on user needs.
• Allows simultaneous password recovery for multiple VBA files, streamlining the process for bulk operations.
• Ensures safe password recovery without data loss or corruption, maintaining the integrity of the files.
• Can be run on machines without administrative access, offering flexibility in restricted environments.
• Capable of recovering passwords of any length, from short to long, efficiently.
• Lets users reset an old password and generate a new one for VBA projects, providing future flexibility.
• Supports password recovery for VBA projects in multiple languages, making it suitable for global users.

Conclusion

Unprotecting an XLSM file might seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be straightforward. While manual methods work in some cases, automated solutions like SysTools VBA Password Recovery ensure a hassle-free experience. Protecting your work and maintaining file integrity is critical—arm yourself with these solutions to tackle locked XLSM files effectively.??

FAQs

Q. Is it legal to unprotect an XLSM file???

Yes, as long as you have legitimate access or ownership of the file.?

Q. Does unprotecting an XLSM file delete macros??

No, unprotecting the file does not affect the macros.??

Q. Can I avoid XLSM file protection issues in the future?

Always store passwords securely and enable access for trusted users.