How Can We Unlock VBA Project Password Without Hex Editor?

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is widely used to automate tasks in Microsoft Office applications. However, forgetting the password to a protected VBA project can be frustrating. Many users believe that unlocking a VBA project requires a?hex editor, but that’s not the only way.

In this article, we’ll explore various manual and professional methods to unlock a VBA project password without a hex editor. We will also answer frequently asked questions and explain why VBA project passwords are often easier to bypass than expected.

Why Are VBA Project Passwords Important?

VBA passwords protect macro-enabled workbooks from unauthorized modifications. Businesses and developers use them to safeguard their VBA code from being altered or copied. However, if you forget your password or inherit a locked file without knowing the credentials, unlocking it becomes necessary.

If I make my Excel VBA password long and complex, how is it still easy to unlock the VBA project password without a hex editor?

Can the VBA project password be removed manually without any software?

Yes, you can remove the VBA password without using any third-party software. Methods like modifying the workbook structure or using built-in Excel functions can help unlock VBA projects.

Methods to Break VBA Passwords Without Hex Editor

There are two main approaches to unlocking VBA project passwords:

1. Systematic Method (Manual) – Uses built-in file modification techniques.
2. Proficient Method (Using Specialized Tools) – Uses professional password-removal software.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step manual methods first.

Systematic Method (Manual)

These manual techniques leverage built-in features to unlock VBA projects. You don’t need any third-party software or a hex editor.

Method 1. Interchange Passwords Using WinRAR/WinZip

This method involves modifying Excel files at a structural level. Follow these steps:

1. Change File Extension- Rename the Excel file from .xlsm or .xls to .zip.
2. Extract the ZIP File- Open the .zip file using WinRAR or WinZip. Locate the vbaProject.bin file inside the extracted contents.
3. Replace the Password- Take a vbaProject.bin file from an unlocked Excel file. Replace the vbaProject.bin file in your locked workbook with the one from the unlocked file.
4. Recompress the Files- Zip the files back and rename the extension to .xlsm or .xls.
5. Open the Workbook- The VBA project should now be accessible without a password.

Method 2. Unlock VBA Project Password Without Hex Editor (By Workbook)

This method works by transferring your VBA code to a new workbook:

1. Open a New Workbook- Launch Excel and create a new macro-enabled workbook (.xlsm).
2. Record a Macro- Go to the Developer tab → Click Record Macro → Name it anything.
3. Save and Close- Save the new workbook and close Excel.
4. Import Locked VBA Modules- Open the locked workbook and copy all VBA modules. Paste them into your newly created workbook.
5. Save the Workbook Again- The VBA code is now available without password protection.

Proficient Method to Unlock VBA project password without Hex Editor

If manual methods seem complex, you can use the SysTools VBA password unlock tool, a professional tool designed to unlock VBA projects instantly.

SysTools VBA Password Remover is an advanced tool designed to efficiently remove or recover passwords from single or multiple VBA project files across various Microsoft Office applications. It supports multiple file formats, including Excel (.xls, .xla, .xlsm, .xlsb, .xltm, .xlam), Word (.doc, .dot, .docm, .dotm), Access (.mdb, .accdb), and PowerPoint (.pptm, .ppsm, .potm), ensuring seamless access to protected macros and projects.

This software can eliminate old passwords and generate new ones, allowing users to regain control without data loss. It also supports multilingual passwords, works without requiring administrative privileges, and enables unlocking VBA files across different versions of Microsoft Office, making it a reliable and user-friendly solution for professionals.

How to Unlock VBA Project Password Without Hex Editor

Follow the steps mentioned below to learn how professional software works:

Step 1. Download and launch the software on your system

Step 2. Now, Add file or folder consisting of Excel files and Click the “Add Files” or “Add Folder” button to load your Excel files.

Step 3. View all the file information. Then select the category of Remove File or Remove All option as per your requirements.

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

Step 5. Click the remove option to begin the password-unlocking process.

Step 6.?After the process is completed, press?OK?on the pop-up message visible on the screen.

Step 7. Now you can see your file is free from password without any hex editor.

To Learn More About Software, Check this Detail Video Guide

Conclusion

Forgetting a VBA project password can be frustrating, but unlocking it without a hex editor is entirely possible. No matter which method you choose, always back up your files before attempting any password removal. This ensures data safety while regaining access to your VBA code.