How to Recover Lost Excel VBA Password? Complete Guide

Losing your Excel VBA password can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to access your crucial macro codes or automate tasks efficiently. If you’ve ever wondered how to recover a lost Excel VBA password, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods, including professional tools and manual approaches, to help you regain access to your locked VBA projects. Let’s dive into it.

Understanding the Importance of Excel VBA Password Recovery

Before we jump into the solutions, let’s understand why losing a VBA password is a significant issue. Microsoft Excel VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) passwords are used to protect the code behind your macros. If you forget the password, you won’t be able to view or modify the VBA project, potentially halting your productivity.

Don’t worry, though! This guide is here to walk you through effective ways to break VBA password in Excel 2003 to 2021 .

Methods to Recover Lost Excel VBA Password

We’ll cover both manual methods and a reliable, professional approach. While the manual methods may be suitable for tech-savvy individuals, they come with limitations and risks. On the other hand, a professional tool can make the process smooth and efficient.

Method 1: Using Hex Editor (Manual Method)

One of the old-school methods to unlock Access VBA project is by using a hex editor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Always create a copy of your Excel file before attempting any manual recovery method. This makes VBA secure login in Excel .
2. Rename your .xlsm file to .zip.
3. Open the zip file and navigate to the vbaProject.bin file inside the xl folder.
4. Open vbaProject.bin using a hex editor (like HxD Editor). Search for the line that contains the "DPB=" string.
5. Replace the values after "DPB=" to remove the password. Save the changes.
6. Compress the folder back to a zip file and change the extension to .xlsm.
7. Your VBA project should now be accessible without a password.

Limitations of Hex Editor Method:

• Manual hex editing can corrupt your file if done incorrectly.
• This method requires patience and some technical knowledge.
• There’s a chance that this method may not work on newer versions of Excel.

Method 2: Leveraging Excel Macro (Manual Method)

You can also use a VBA macro to attempt password recovery. Here’s how:

Step 1. Open a New Excel Workbook: Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.

Step 2. Insert a New Module: Right-click on "VBAProject (Book1)" and select Insert > Module.

Paste the Macro Code: Use the following VBA code

Sub RecoverVBA()

Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer

Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer

On Error Resume Next

For i = 65 To 66: For j = 65 To 66: For k = 65 To 66

For l = 65 To 66: For m = 65 To 66: For n = 65 To 66

ActiveWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents("Module1").CodeModule.AddFromString _

Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(n)

If Err.Number = 0 Then Exit Sub

Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next

End Sub

Step 3. Press F5 to run the code. The macro will attempt to crack the password.

Limitations of Excel Macro Method:

• Potential for Errors: Running macros may not always yield successful results. It should have enhance VBA macro security to complete this process.
• Security Restrictions: Some Excel versions have strict security settings that may prevent running such macros.
• Limited Compatibility: This method may not work on all Excel files or VBA projects.

Method 3: Using SysTools VBA Password Recovery Tool (Professional Solution)

For a reliable and efficient solution, consider using a professional tool like the SysTools VBA Password Remover . This software simplifies the process and offers high success rates.

Step-by-Step Guide Using SysTools VBA Password Recovery Tool:

Step 1. Install and open the SysTools VBA Password Recovery Tool on your PC.

Step 2. Add Excel XLSM Files: Click the “Add Files” or “Add Folder” button to load your Excel files.

Step 3. View File Information: Check the file path and size information displayed in the user interface.

Step 4. Select Removal Option: The software provides dual options - “Reset” and “Remove.” Choose the “Remove” option.

Step 5. Remove the Password: Click “Remove” to begin the password removal process.

Step 6. Confirm Completion: Once the password removal is complete, a message will appear. Click “OK” to confirm.

Access VBA Project: Your Excel VBA project password has been erased successfully!

Key Features of SysTools VBA Password Recovery Tool

When it comes to recovering or removing lost VBA passwords, this VBA password unlock tool stands out with its advanced capabilities and comprehensive support for various Microsoft Office formats. Here’s an in-depth look at the features that make this software an indispensable solution:

• Whether you need to unlock a single VBA project or multiple files simultaneously, this tool has you covered.
• The software isn’t limited to Excel files; it also supports various Office formats, including Word and Access. This versatility ensures you can manage VBA passwords across your essential documents.
• Dealing with locked PowerPoint files? The SysTools VBA Password Unlocker Tool can crack VBA passwords from PowerPoint presentations, allowing you to regain control of your slides and macros.
• No matter the macro-enabled file type, this software can effectively remove or reset passwords from a range of formats, including those used in Word, Excel, and other Office applications.
• The tool is designed to provide robust solutions for recovering VBA macro passwords, ensuring you don’t lose access to your essential code in Word documents, Excel sheets, or Access databases.
• It doesn’t matter how complex or lengthy your VBA password is. This advanced software can retrieve or remove passwords regardless of their complexity.
• If you wish to reset your VBA password entirely, the software can eliminate the existing one and generate a new, secure password for your project.
• Even if you lack admin privileges on your computer, you can still use this tool seamlessly, making it highly accessible for users in restricted environments.
• The software supports multilingual passwords, ensuring that no matter what language your VBA project password uses, you can recover or reset it efficiently.

FAQs?

1. Can I recover my lost VBA password without any software?

Yes, you can use manual methods like a hex editor or a VBA macro. However, these methods are risky, complex, and may not always work.

2. Is it safe to use a VBA password recovery tool?

Yes, using a reputable tool like SysTools VBA Password Recovery is safe and efficient. The tool ensures no data loss and provides a user-friendly interface.

3. Will I lose my data if I use a hex editor to recover my password?

There’s a risk of corrupting your file if you make a mistake during hex editing. Always create a backup before attempting this method.

4. Does SysTools VBA Password Recovery Tool work on all Excel versions?

Yes, the tool supports various Excel versions and is compatible with .xlsm and other VBA project files.

5. Why is it essential to protect my VBA code?

Protecting your VBA code ensures your macros remain secure, preventing unauthorized access and modification of your automated tasks.