If you forget the password for the Excel file, you can try to undo it through VBA macros, third-party tools, or Save as a passwordless format. Specific methods include: 1. Use VBA macros (suitable for old versions, low success rate); 2. Use third-party tools such as PassFab to crack (pay attention to file format and privacy security); 3. If the file can be opened normally, you can remove the password by "Save As" and clearing the password option. It is recommended to give priority to the use of legal channels and protect personal data.

If you forget the password of the Excel file and want to remove it, the method is actually more complicated than you think. Because Microsoft has strict encryption protection, the official does not provide the function of skipping directly after "forgot your password". However, there are still some feasible solutions, which depends on your Excel version and file type.

Trying to bypass password using VBA macro

Some users try to remove passwords through Excel's built-in VBA editor, but this method is not 100% effective and is suitable for files in some older versions (such as Excel 2003 or 2007) or in specific formats.

The operation steps are as follows:

• Open Excel, press Alt F11 to enter the VBA editor
• Double-click any worksheet name in the project window on the left
• Paste a piece of VBA code for cracking (there are public scripts available online to search)
• Press F5 to run the code to see if it can be unprotected

?? Note: The new version of Office (especially Office 365) has strengthened the security mechanism. This method has a very low success rate and may trigger an antivirus software alarm.

Recover or clear passwords with third-party tools

The most common method currently is to use a special Excel password recovery tool. There are many such tools, some of which are free trial versions, and some need to be purchased. Common ones include:

• PassFab for Excel
• Excel Password Recovery Lastic
• Online services provided by CrackPassword.com

These tools generally work by brute force, dictionary attacks, or exploiting file structure vulnerabilities. If your password is not particularly complicated, it can be done in minutes.

Recommended usage:

• First confirm whether the Excel you want to process is .xls or .xlsx format. The supported tools in different formats may be different.
• Try to choose tools that support multi-threading acceleration, which is more efficient
• Do not upload files to unreliable websites to avoid privacy leakage

If you have administrator privileges, try saving as unencrypted format

This sounds a bit strange, but if you have ever opened this Excel file (that is, what you know) and it is now saved in a password-free version, you can save it directly as a passwordless version.

The operation is very simple:

• Open the file (because you remember the content, it can be opened normally)
• Click "File" → "Save As"
• Click the Tools button in the pop-up window (next to the save button) → select General Options
• Clear both "Open permission password" and "Modify permission password"
• Just save it

Although this method is simple, the premise is that you must be able to open the file normally, otherwise it will be invalid.

Basically these are the methods. After all, once Excel password is set properly, it is difficult to get around. Therefore, in daily use, it is recommended to record important passwords in a safe place, such as in a password manager. If you really forget your password, don’t be too anxious. Try the above method first, and maybe you can solve the problem.

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