This was super helpful. My accountant left a couple of months ago and when I recruited a new one, we realised that our entire books were protected. We have been struggling to get it unprotected for weeks, and within 10mins your video has done the magic. Thank you.
After looking at numerous 'How to' videos this is the first one that really work to remove sheet/workbook protection. Very clear and straightforward video.
The zip file worked for me and I can’t thank you enough. A great deal of work had gone into the spreadsheet and I was pretty upset with myself. Thanks again 👍😊
Good stuff as usual. I agree this isn't super-spy level protection, but in my opinion it does the job of preventing users (who don't Excel) from typing numbers over your formulas because they're not using the spreadsheet properly. 👍
thanks, this is a very clear video. So glad you suggested doing it on a copy to work on because didn't fully work for me and wiped the sheet I needed the password removed from? do you know why this would be please?
Thank you, it helped a lot. It is important to save a copy of the xml file we are editing because I messed up multiple times since I was not using Notepad ++ and didn't know when the workbookprotection and sheetprotection statements ended. Yes, your instructions were used for legal process to unprotect an excel file I forgot its password.
I recently had to use the zip file technique to fix a workbook that would not save as I was getting corrupted and repairs so extensive msgs that make you weep as tons of time in the workbook creation. Removing a bin file using the zip technique saved the day. Here is yet another way to slice and dice. As always great vid content perfectly presented
To whoever is struggling because the zip file seems broken and can't open it: you're probably working on a xls file. The file needs to be XLSX. Open the file, save as XLSX file. Now you can rename the new xlsx file, changing its extension to ZIP, and open it. Idk why it works, it just worked for me. Cheers
thanks for the tricks ! for the sheet protection level (if you can select all the cells), you can just select all the cells, copy, create a new sheet, paste on A1. the new sheet is not protected there's too some VBA code to unprotect the sheet, probably too to unprotect workbook
Yes, it they've allowed cell selection, then copying and pasting is an option. It all depends how complex the file is as to how successful that would be. The VBA unprotection code was required for .xls file types, but with .xlsx we can simply unzip the file and locate the settings.
I am having difficulty with finding an example of the issue I am running into when trying to do this. First off, I saved the file through the excel options (not the F12 scenario at the end). When I change the copy to a zip and open up the zip file, I am not seeing the same folders/files that I am seeing in all of these YT video examples of the XML file. Instead, I see a folder titled [6]DataSpaces and two "files" (they have no extension) named EncryptedPackage and EncryptedInfo none of which seem to be of use.
I'm not aware of how you'd save the file via Excel Options. The other way to save a file is via the File tab > Save as. Try using F12 to open the Save As dialog box as shown in the video to see if this solves the problem you're having.
Good one and very helpful, I remember this trick long back someone shared with me but it helped me to recollect. Do you have any trick to unlock VBA editor password because I lock most of my files for VBA editor so that user should not change code?
I've used this method several times in the past but now when I open the "zip" file I'm not showing any of the xml files anymore. Is there something that I'm missing with newer versions of excel or windows?
Without having to eliminate the entire sheetProtection clause, it is also possible to change the sheet, objects and scenarios sections (within sheetProtection) from 1 to 0 within said clause and continue with the process.
I think its easy because you just need to protect user from making a change on data on file. If we want, we still can copy paste the data to another excel file and do the job. Its different with open file, because its really prefent random person to read the data
You can only copy and paste the data if the worksheets aren't hidden and workbook protected. i.e. with worksheet protection and assuming they have allowed you to select locked cells.
Thanks a lot, Mynda! I try to rename excel xlsx format to zip, but it shows window cannot open the folder and copy zip is "invalid". Could you advise what I do? Thanks
Hi Richard, please post your question on our forum where you can share a screenshot showing your file name and we can help you further: www.myonlinetraininghub.com/excel-forum
So if you put a password to open the file and a different password for the sheets, then people can't remove either of those passwords by the methods you showed right? Your videos are way better than the other excel channels btw. Thank you for the amazing work
Thank you 🙏 yes, if you password protect the file to open it then that password can’t be removed using these techniques, therefore the password for the sheets is also protected.
Pro Tip for Mac users as well (because I couldn't do this) but I found another way! change the file extension to .csv, it will open with Numbers and remove all passwords!
Thanks Lady. But I face some technical error. WinRAR Diagnostic message The archive is either is unknow format or damaged.... Do you have any solution? waiting for swift response.
Have you tried using Microsoft explorer to unzip it, rather than a 3rd party app like WinRAR? Or it may simply be that you have the password at the file level, as per the last example.
I thought I remembered using the method you show to actually obtain the password used, but I cant seem to figure out how to do that any longer. Do you happen to know?
Hello Mynda and thank you for the great video. After I copy and rename the file extension to .zip, it won't extract all and I get a window prompt indicating the compressed file is empty. The file size in properties appears the same as the original worksheet, however. Kindly advise. Many thanks.
Seems that this doesn't work anymore? The zip folder only contains the excel file and no longer contains the xl folder when you try to 'extract all' from a zipped version, wonder if others also face similar issues? would be nice to see if there's any other workaround?
I've always written macros that apply that protection as soon as the workbooks open. So, you could use these techniques, but unless you could also hack the VBA code, it wouldn't work on the useable file. But, still a very interesting video
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub Yeah, you can indeed. I wouldn't try to write a security app using VBA, but the number of people that are able to hack the VBA code is relatively small in my experience.
Thank you for the video. It seems that I have some sort of problem because when I try to rename the file as .zip it does not change the file type to compressed file but keeps it as Excel. I tried the same thing with a blank Excel file and have the same problem. Is this something to do with the version of Office or what?
It shouldn't matter what version of Office you have. Perhaps you don't have file extensions displaying in File Explorer, so renaming actually changes the file name, but not the extension.
Why I can drill down into the folders on the ZIP file once is converted? When I open it with 7-zip Windows app and show me different folders: MsoDataStore [6]Data Spaces EncryptedPackage [5]Document Summarylnformation [5]SummaryInformation No one of these folders have the xl folder with Worksheets folder, with the Sheet.xml file Thanks for your comments.
hi, I have tried and it all worked. Is there also a way to remove the password wich is used in the developertab and then the visual basic. when i go to the visual basic it has a password here. can you help me?
Hi there, When I open the zip folder, it doesn't show all those sheets like you've shown here and simply shows the same workbook protected with password. So I can't see the xml file in the unzipped folder. I've seen so many videos and all have suggested the same process to unlock the password. Can you please tell, if I'm doing something wrong here?
i folowed all steps, but i'm not deleting what i should, when i open it afterwards it gives an error and excel cannot open the file.. i look closely at < and > before deleting the selection, mind you, maybe if you could explain what exactly in the syntax needs to be deleted
Perhaps you'll find it easier to follow the written instructions with screenshots here: www.myonlinetraininghub.com/easily-remove-excel-password-protection
Hi! I'm also having problems by trying this method. Whenever I'm looking for the word "protected" or some variant (the whole workbook is protected) it isn't on the code anymore. Is it possible they've updated the security? I would really appreciate your thoughts on this! I love your videos!
If the file is protected at the File Open step, then you're dealing with the last example covered in the video, in which case you can't use the zip file technique.
This was super helpful. My accountant left a couple of months ago and when I recruited a new one, we realised that our entire books were protected. We have been struggling to get it unprotected for weeks, and within 10mins your video has done the magic. Thank you.
Wonderful to hear!
incredibly helpful. I have seen other videos explaining these techniques, but yours is the clearest and simplest to follow. well done!
Awesome, thank you, Eliot!
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub Can you help me remove excel password? I forgot pass
After looking at numerous 'How to' videos this is the first one that really work to remove sheet/workbook protection. Very clear and straightforward video.
Glad it helped!
The zip file worked for me and I can’t thank you enough. A great deal of work had gone into the spreadsheet and I was pretty upset with myself. Thanks again 👍😊
So pleased to hear that!
Good stuff as usual. I agree this isn't super-spy level protection, but in my opinion it does the job of preventing users (who don't Excel) from typing numbers over your formulas because they're not using the spreadsheet properly.
👍
Yes, exactly that 😊
not working when I changed to zip, breaked file now
Such a simple video to follow but it saved me so much work! Thank you!
Awesome to hear 😊
LIFE SAVER!!!!! Yes I'm using my new skills for the greater good 😀 Thank you so much for the tutorial for this!!!
Awesome to hear!
I get as far as renaming the file to a zip instead of xlsx. Once I double click on the new file it says it's invalid. Help!
It was a life saver. Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Hello Ma'am, thank you for taking the time making this video. I'm getting a prompt when trying to open the zip. "copy.zip is invalid".
@ansicin6883 no. This has been resolved. Luckily the user found the pw.
thanks, this is a very clear video. So glad you suggested doing it on a copy to work on because didn't fully work for me and wiped the sheet I needed the password removed from? do you know why this would be please?
Glad it helped! Not sure why it would wipe a sheet 🤔
"luckily" it is that easy... just succesfully removed one - thanks Mynda
Glad it helped!
Wonderful tips! Its kinda suffering when I forgot the password that I have set. Thank you! Incredible video ever!
Glad you liked it 🙏
Thank you, it helped a lot. It is important to save a copy of the xml file we are editing because I messed up multiple times since I was not using Notepad ++ and didn't know when the workbookprotection and sheetprotection statements ended. Yes, your instructions were used for legal process to unprotect an excel file I forgot its password.
Great to hear!
I recently had to use the zip file technique to fix a workbook that would not save as I was getting corrupted and repairs so extensive msgs that make you weep as tons of time in the workbook creation. Removing a bin file using the zip technique saved the day. Here is yet another way to slice and dice. As always great vid content perfectly presented
Thanks so much 🙏
thank you for this resource! saved me a few hours of recreating a sales document.
Glad I could help!
Thank you for your helping
My pleasure!
I was hoping for any tips on removing or replacing the password of the older xls format.
Hmm, not that I can point you to, sorry.
To whoever is struggling because the zip file seems broken and can't open it: you're probably working on a xls file. The file needs to be XLSX. Open the file, save as XLSX file. Now you can rename the new xlsx file, changing its extension to ZIP, and open it.
Idk why it works, it just worked for me.
Cheers
Wow! You still use .xls files. They went out with Excel 2003 😉 Thanks for sharing your tip.
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub hahahahah not by choice I swear. I work on what I've been given. Thanks for the video and have a good day!
Many thanks Mynda, for sharing a video that clearly explains password unprotecting under various situations in excel.
My pleasure, Shiffa!
Thank you very much!
I always forget my passwords.
I love your channel, your didactics and affection in passing on knowledge are incredible.😀
So nice of you to say, Marcelo!
Thank you, it was very helpful and saved me a lot of time.
Great to hear!
thanks for the tricks !
for the sheet protection level (if you can select all the cells), you can just select all the cells, copy, create a new sheet, paste on A1. the new sheet is not protected
there's too some VBA code to unprotect the sheet, probably too to unprotect workbook
Yes, it they've allowed cell selection, then copying and pasting is an option. It all depends how complex the file is as to how successful that would be. The VBA unprotection code was required for .xls file types, but with .xlsx we can simply unzip the file and locate the settings.
Thank you so much!
You're welcome!
Hi Mynda!Super Helpful And Clear Explanations...Thank You :)
Great to hear, Darryl!
when i hit the delete key it doesnt do anything. it is not deleting the slelected area
Sounds like you haven't opened it in a text editor like Notepad.
Thank u for this video 📹. How did u open the XML in one note ?
I'm using Notepad ++, not OneNote.
I've tried various solutions on StackOverflow but this was the only one that worked!
So pleased I could help 😊
I am having difficulty with finding an example of the issue I am running into when trying to do this. First off, I saved the file through the excel options (not the F12 scenario at the end). When I change the copy to a zip and open up the zip file, I am not seeing the same folders/files that I am seeing in all of these YT video examples of the XML file. Instead, I see a folder titled [6]DataSpaces and two "files" (they have no extension) named EncryptedPackage and EncryptedInfo none of which seem to be of use.
I'm not aware of how you'd save the file via Excel Options. The other way to save a file is via the File tab > Save as. Try using F12 to open the Save As dialog box as shown in the video to see if this solves the problem you're having.
having the same issue
I do not have a xl folder there in office 368? Just Data Spaces and Encryptioninfo
Please post your question and screenshots on our forum where we can help you further: www.myonlinetraininghub.com/excel-forum
You actually can unzip protected file, open worksheets and some info is visible but most is encrypted.
Wow, its really great to find this video that makes me back to my work. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Worked a treat - THANK YOU!
Awesome to hear 👍
Good one and very helpful, I remember this trick long back someone shared with me but it helped me to recollect. Do you have any trick to unlock VBA editor password because I lock most of my files for VBA editor so that user should not change code?
Thanks, Dany! I haven't got a VBA example, but I'll add it to my To-Do list!
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub I have VBA Code for breaking the VBA Editor Protection.
God bless you Madam. A life saver
Glad it was helpful!
Great tips Mynda, thank you!
How can we break the VBA password to enter VBA code window?
Do you know it?
Thank you
Hi Emre, it's similar and is explained here: www.devhut.net/excel-unlocking-an-excel-vba-project/
Thank you I managed to use it for one of my old file I forgot password. User friendly
Glad it helped!
As always, great tips! Thanks a lot, Mynda 🙂
Glad you like them! 🙏
Excellent stuff Mynda
Thank you!
You're genius. It works!
Glad it helped 😊
I've used this method several times in the past but now when I open the "zip" file I'm not showing any of the xml files anymore. Is there something that I'm missing with newer versions of excel or windows?
That’s usually an indication that the password is at the file level, as per the last example in the video.
AMAZING! You saved me a great deal! Thank you, subscribing!
So pleased I could help!
Superb Mynda, explained very clearly.... Thanks a lot ❤
Glad you liked it
Thank you for the video, able to unprotect the excel sheet. Better than Chatgpt at the moment😂
😁 glad I could help!
Without having to eliminate the entire sheetProtection clause, it is also possible to change the sheet, objects and scenarios sections (within sheetProtection) from 1 to 0 within said clause and continue with the process.
Nice tip, cheers, Ivan!
Thanks Mynda for the information.
You are so welcome!
Thanks for the great video. Is it possible to check the password in the XML tag?
No, you can't find the password, the best you can do is remove it.
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub Thanks for the reply.
Excellent
Glad it was helpful 😊
I think its easy because you just need to protect user from making a change on data on file. If we want, we still can copy paste the data to another excel file and do the job. Its different with open file, because its really prefent random person to read the data
You can only copy and paste the data if the worksheets aren't hidden and workbook protected. i.e. with worksheet protection and assuming they have allowed you to select locked cells.
Thank you for the interesting video. Are Excel VBA protected projects as easy to unprotect?
Was wondering this, too!
Looks like it is: www.devhut.net/excel-unlocking-an-excel-vba-project/
Wow Mynda! Nice usefull tips! Thanks a lot!
You're so welcome!
Saved me hours. Thankyou
Glad I could help!
Super helpful video. Thanks a million for sharing, Mynda.
You are so welcome, Ekki!
Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I am able to crack the password. Protected to Un-Protected
Glad I could help 😊
Superb! This is very Helpful. Thanks for sharing. Can we remove the password of an Excel Macro (Dot xlsm) file in the same manner?
Yes, pretty much.
Thanks a lot, Mynda! I try to rename excel xlsx format to zip, but it shows window cannot open the folder and copy zip is "invalid". Could you advise what I do? Thanks
Hi Richard, please post your question on our forum where you can share a screenshot showing your file name and we can help you further: www.myonlinetraininghub.com/excel-forum
I had same problem
incredibly helpful
Great to hear 🙏
So if you put a password to open the file and a different password for the sheets, then people can't remove either of those passwords by the methods you showed right? Your videos are way better than the other excel channels btw. Thank you for the amazing work
Thank you 🙏 yes, if you password protect the file to open it then that password can’t be removed using these techniques, therefore the password for the sheets is also protected.
In fact, the passwords needn't even be different; they'll never get into the zip file anyway. 👍
Thank you very much your guidance. keep it up.
Thank you, I will 😊
Pro Tip for Mac users as well (because I couldn't do this) but I found another way!
change the file extension to .csv, it will open with Numbers and remove all passwords!
Thanks for sharing, Brandon!
Super helpful, thanks Mynda!
Cheers, Chris!
Incredible video. Thank you so much!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks Lady. But I face some technical error. WinRAR Diagnostic message The archive is either is unknow format or damaged.... Do you have any solution? waiting for swift response.
Have you tried using Microsoft explorer to unzip it, rather than a 3rd party app like WinRAR? Or it may simply be that you have the password at the file level, as per the last example.
I thought I remembered using the method you show to actually obtain the password used, but I cant seem to figure out how to do that any longer. Do you happen to know?
There's no way to obtain the password AFAIK.
very helptull video, thanks a lot mam, take ❤
Most welcome 😊
You have a brilhant brain!
So glad my video was helpful 😊
One thing you didn't address is when the VBA is password protected. Is there something similar to unlock that?
It's also editable in the .xml file: www.devhut.net/excel-unlocking-an-excel-vba-project/
thank you so much for the help.
You're welcome!
Thank you for you really nice page and useful videos
I tried this procedure at excel 365 but it did work... Could you check that for me please?
Please post your question and sample Excel file on our forum where someone can help you further: www.myonlinetraininghub.com/excel-forum
Thanks, Mynda. Is it also possible to view the password using this method so that we can unlock the sheet instead of removing protection?
Not that I'm aware of.
Hello Mynda and thank you for the great video. After I copy and rename the file extension to .zip, it won't extract all and I get a window prompt indicating the compressed file is empty. The file size in properties appears the same as the original worksheet, however. Kindly advise. Many thanks.
Sounds like you have a file that falls into the last scenario I covered. i.e. the password is at the file level.
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub Thank you!
Seems that this doesn't work anymore? The zip folder only contains the excel file and no longer contains the xl folder when you try to 'extract all' from a zipped version, wonder if others also face similar issues? would be nice to see if there's any other workaround?
It still works, which suggests that you maybe have the password at the file level, which is covered in the last examle.
Very helpful. Thank you
Great to hear!
Very nice it was help me thank you very muchs
Most welcome 😊
This is brilliant!! Thank you!!
Glad you liked it!
I've always written macros that apply that protection as soon as the workbooks open. So, you could use these techniques, but unless you could also hack the VBA code, it wouldn't work on the useable file. But, still a very interesting video
Nice trick, Dave! You can remove VBA protection with a similar technique to editing the zip file.
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub Yeah, you can indeed. I wouldn't try to write a security app using VBA, but the number of people that are able to hack the VBA code is relatively small in my experience.
It is working, bunch of thanks :)
Welcome 👍
Thank you for your video. It’s interesting.
My pleasure 👍
Great video and well explained. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Big thank you !
You're welcome!
Thank you very much,really amazing 😍
I'm glad you liked it 🙏
Thank you for the video. It seems that I have some sort of problem because when I try to rename the file as .zip it does not change the file type to compressed file but keeps it as Excel. I tried the same thing with a blank Excel file and have the same problem. Is this something to do with the version of Office or what?
It shouldn't matter what version of Office you have. Perhaps you don't have file extensions displaying in File Explorer, so renaming actually changes the file name, but not the extension.
Very nice info, thank you for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent as always! Thank you!
Thanks so much, Bob!
Very helpful tutorial... Good.
Glad you think so!
You absolute legend.❤
Glad I could help 😊
Why I can drill down into the folders on the ZIP file once is converted?
When I open it with 7-zip Windows app and show me different folders:
MsoDataStore
[6]Data Spaces
EncryptedPackage
[5]Document Summarylnformation
[5]SummaryInformation
No one of these folders have the xl folder with Worksheets folder, with the Sheet.xml file
Thanks for your comments.
Not sure, Javier. Try just using the built in zip functionality in Windows as you saw me do.
This is because the entire workbook is password protected rather than just a sheet. I doubt you can crack that password.
I'm not finding worksheetProtection, or workbookProtection when I open up the .xml files?
Please post your question and Excel file on our forum where we can help you further: www.myonlinetraininghub.com/excel-forum
hi, I have tried and it all worked. Is there also a way to remove the password wich is used in the developertab and then the visual basic. when i go to the visual basic it has a password here. can you help me?
Hmm, I don't have a video on that. Probably best to Google, sorry.
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub Allright, thanks anyway.
Amazing. thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
That’s awesome ❗️Mynda, what do you recomend to learn, Visual Basic o Java Script❓Thanks
Ooh, good question. I'd probably go with JavaScript as this will have more application going forward.
@@MyOnlineTrainingHub Do you have some course about this❓Thanks
Hi there, When I open the zip folder, it doesn't show all those sheets like you've shown here and simply shows the same workbook protected with password. So I can't see the xml file in the unzipped folder.
I've seen so many videos and all have suggested the same process to unlock the password.
Can you please tell, if I'm doing something wrong here?
Sounds like you have the password at the file open stage, in which case your scenario is the last one I cover in the video.
i folowed all steps, but i'm not deleting what i should, when i open it afterwards it gives an error and excel cannot open the file.. i look closely at < and > before deleting the selection, mind you, maybe if you could explain what exactly in the syntax needs to be deleted
Perhaps you'll find it easier to follow the written instructions with screenshots here: www.myonlinetraininghub.com/easily-remove-excel-password-protection
I am doing anything i can do recover my password. Does this work for Mac? Thanks in advance!
Not sure about a Mac, sorry.
Thank you so much
You're most welcome 😊
Great Helpful tutorial
Glad you think so!
thank you so much!
You're welcome!
Hi! I'm also having problems by trying this method. Whenever I'm looking for the word "protected" or some variant (the whole workbook is protected) it isn't on the code anymore. Is it possible they've updated the security? I would really appreciate your thoughts on this! I love your videos!
If the file is protected at the File Open step, then you're dealing with the last example covered in the video, in which case you can't use the zip file technique.
Very useful, thanks
Glad to hear that!