How to Open a Password Protected .xlsm File-A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you've encountered a password-protected .xlsm file and have forgotten the password, you’re not alone. Excel files, particularly those with macros (like .xlsm files), can be crucial to your work, but when locked with a password, gaining access can seem challenging. This article provides a complete guide on how to open a password-protected .xlsm file, including manual and automated solutions to help you retrieve the password or bypass it safely.
Introduction
Opening a password-protected .xlsm file can be a daunting task, especially when you don't remember the password. The .xlsm file extension refers to Excel files that contain macros, which can automate tasks in Excel. Due to the nature of macros, these files are often used for complex workflows, making them important for users who rely on Excel for advanced tasks.
Fortunately, there are ways to unlock these files. This article will walk you through different methods to help you open a password-protected .xlsm file, from basic techniques to using specialized software.
Step-by-Step Guide to Open a Password Protected .xlsm File
Method 1: Try Default Passwords or Guessing
If you don’t recall the password, start by trying some common default passwords, such as:
- password
- 1234
- admin
- letmein
While this might sound basic, it's always worth a shot, especially if you were using simple passwords in the past.
Method 2: Using Excel’s Built-In Features (If You Have a Backup)
If you've created a backup copy of your .xlsm file, this is a perfect opportunity to access the file without needing to remove the password. If you have access to an older version or a copy on another device, use that version to recover your data.
Method 3: Using VBA Code to Unlock the File
Another method involves using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code to unlock the password. You can try inserting a simple code in Excel to attempt to remove or bypass the password protection. Here’s how:
1. Open Excel without opening the password-protected file.
2. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
3. In the VBA editor, click Insert and then select Module.
4. Paste the following VBA code:
```vba
Sub PasswordBreaker()
????Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer
????Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer
????Dim p As String
????Dim q As String
????Dim r As String
????Dim s As String
????Dim t As String
????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
????????????????????????????p = Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(n)
????????????????????????????q = Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(n)
????????????????????????????r = Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & Chr(l)
????????????????????????????s = Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k)
????????????????????????????t = Chr(i) & Chr(j)
????????????????????????????ThisWorkbook.Password = p
????????????????????????????If ThisWorkbook.HasPassword Then
????????????????????????????????MsgBox "Password is: " & p
????????????????????????????End If
????????????????????????Next n
????????????????????Next m
????????????????Next k
????????????Next j
????????Next i
????Next l
End Sub
```
5. Run the code and wait for it to attempt various password combinations. This can take some time, depending on the complexity of the password.
Method 4: Using an Automated solution
While manual methods might work in some cases, they can be time-consuming and may not always succeed, especially if the password is complex. This is where Best VBA Password Recovery Software comes in. This tool is specifically designed to help users recover lost or forgotten passwords from Excel files, including .xlsm files.
This automated software offers a high success rate, especially for users who are not familiar with complex manual processes.
Conclusion
Opening a password-protected .xlsm file is not always easy, but with the right approach, it is possible. Whether you try guessing passwords, using built-in Excel features, or leveraging the power of specialized software, you can regain access to your important files. If manual methods fail, opting for a dedicated password recovery tool is often the fastest and most reliable solution.
FAQs
Q. What is a .xlsm file, and why is it password protected?
???A .xlsm file is an Excel file that contains macros. It is often used for complex tasks that involve automation. Password protection ensures that only authorized users can access the file’s content.
Q. How do I recover a forgotten password for a .xlsm file?
???You can try default passwords or use VBA code to unlock the file. If those methods don't work, automated software can help recover the password quickly.
Q. Are there any risks involved in using VBA code to unlock a file?
???While using VBA code can be effective, it may not work on all files, especially those with highly complex passwords. It's also a more time-consuming method, and there is a risk of error if not done correctly.