Excel Password Recovery Software Mac

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'I forgot Excel password and can't open a password-protected file. Anyone help me unlock it or recover lost Excel password?'

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Important Excel files are usually password protected, which is a layer of protection for data. Forgot password for Excel files is a nightmare, and everyone (including yourself) can't access these valuable data in it.


Thus, here, I summarize 4 effective methods to help you recover Excel password.

#1. File Extension

#2. VBA Code

#3. VBAProject

Part 1. Overview of Recovering Forgotten Password on Excel file

This article will introduce 4 ways to recover Excel password and unlock: VBA code, VBAProject, file extension, and an Excel password recovery tool.


Each method has its own adaptability, and you need to know it in advance.

Password


File Extension: Only available in Excel 2010 and earlier. Its recovery steps are complex. Anyone with a technical background can try it.


VBA Code: Only works with Excel 2010 and previous versions. It can only recover a single Worksheet password at a time. You need to repeat the operation for multiple times to open all Excel files.


VBA Project: Only suitable for password recovery for older versions of Worksheet. It is more complicated than the above methods, and it requires a VBA basis. The recovery rate is not high, but it is also a way of trying.


Excel Password Recovery Tool: Applies to all versions of Excel protected Workbook/Spreadsheet password recovery. It allows you to retrieve lost Excel passwords quickly and easily.



Part 2. Restore/Crack Forgotten Excel Passwords (Older Versions)

If you want to unlock the old version of Excel, you can try it in the following 3 ways. Although they are a bit complicated, they only require you to spend time instead of money.


#1. File Extension

Step 1. Create an Excel backup with password protection. This method usually does not affect the data in the Excel file, but for security reasons, you'd better create a copy of it in advance.


Step 2. Right-click on the Excel Worksheet and select 'Rename' to change the file extension from '.csv' or '.xls' to '.zip'.


Step 3. Open the ZIP file with the unzipped app and look for the file with the suffix '.xml'.


Step 4. Double-click the XML file to open it with the XML editor.


Step 5. Press the shortcut key 'Ctrl + F' to type 'SheetProtection' into the search box and find the field '<sheetProtection algorithmName =' SHA-512 'hashValue =').


Step 6. In the XML file, delete everything between '<' and '/>' and save it.


Step 7. Change the '.zip' file back to '.csv' or '.xls' and press Enter to confirm your operation.


Now you have unlocked protected Excel's password.


#2. VBA Code

Step 1. Open the password-protected Excel and open the VBA editor with the shortcut 'Alt+F11'.


Step 2. Right-click the Excel file in the Project-VBAProject pane, select 'Insert', and then click the 'Module' option.


Step 3. Copy and paste the following VBA code into the 'General' window that appears.


Step 4. Click the 'Run' button or press the F5 key on your keyboard to run it.


Step 5. Now, the password consisting of the letters A and B pops up. Although it is not your original password, it allows you to access it even if you forgot Excel workbook/sheet password.


#3. VBAProject

Firstly, Create a New Virtual Excel File and Set a Password


Step 1. Create a new Excel file. Then click on 'Macros' in the menu bar that appears.


Step 2. Now enter any Excel name and click 'Create'. Its name is not important, but you can't skip this step.


Step 3. This range ('A1'). Value = 'Password Protected' code is copied and pasted into the VBA editor.


Step 4. Then click on the 'Tools' option in the editor and click on 'VBAProject Properties' in the drop-down list.


Step 5. Set a new password in the 'Protection' tab, you need to remember this password.


Step 6. Click 'OK' to save the Excel file as an XLSM file.


Secondly, Prepare the vbaProject.bin File


Step 7. Rename XLSM to a .zip file and open it with an unzip app. Then open vbaProject.bin under the xl folder.



Thirdly, start Recovering Lost Excell Password


Step 8. Use the shortcut 'Ctrl + F' to find the string starting with 'CMG ='. Now you need to enter the code shown below, starting with:

CMG =

DPB =

GC =


Step 9. Save this edited HEX file. Overwrite the original file with the edited vbaProject.bin file.


Step 10. Change its file name back to *.xlms or * .xls


Step 11. Now open the encrypted file, go to the 'Developer' tab and select 'Visual Basic', then click 'Project', you should see the password of the virtual document in the pop-up password prompt.


You can open an encrypted Excel file with this password. If you are using an older version of Excel, you don't have to worry if you've forgotten Excel password on Excel file.



Part 3. Best Solution to Forgot Excel Password 2013/2016/2017 (All versions)

For password recovery in Excel 2013/2016/2017, the first 3 methods are invalid. Now I will introduce a perfect tool for Excel password recovery - Password Genius to help you get out of the woods. Its versatility and user-friendly service are powerful weapons that make it far beyond peer software.


What Are the Advantages of Password Genius?

1. Ability to quickly recover/crack Excel password without losing data.

2. It can perform password recovery for RAR, Word, Excel, PPT, Access, Zip, and Outlook etc.

3. 99.9% recovery rate makes you feel safer and more comfortable.

4. Its trial version can restore Excel passwords up to 3 characters for free.



Steps for (MS) Microsoft Excel Password Recovery:


Step 1. Download and install Password Genius on the computer. You need to select the appropriate folder to save it.


Step 2. Launch it, then click the first option 'Recover Passwords for Files and Archives'. Of course, you can do this by selecting 'File and Archive Password Recovery' on the left.


Step 3. Select 'Excel Password Recovery' to restore the Excel password. You can also use this integrated software to crack passwords for Word, PPT, Outlook, RAR, ZIP and PDF.


Step 4. The folder icon with the + sign on the right can help you import the encrypted Excel file, click on it and select the desired file.


Step 5. Select the attack type and set the relevant options, then click the 'Start' option below. The 'Stop' button on the right allows you to stop recovery at any time.


There are 4 ways to break an encrypted file: 'Brute-force', 'Mask', 'Dictionary' and 'Smart'. Each attack has its own settings. The appropriate settings will speed up your recovery of the Excel password.


Now let's see how to make the best settings!


'Brute-force': As you can see, after selecting the 'Brute-force' mode, marking the relevant options under 'Length' and 'Range' can reduce the time it takes to recover the password.


'Mask': The 'Mask' attack takes one more step than the 'violent attack' and takes less time. After selecting mode and options, you need to enter the known password characters and replace the remaining unknown characters with '?' in the box to the right of 'Mask'.


'Dictionary': This attack mode requires you to create a TXT document in advance and type all possible Excel passwords in it. Then, select the 'Dictionary' attack mode and the 'Dictionary' tab, and click 'Select Dictionary' to choose the created TXT document.


'Smart': Selecting it means you can't change any settings, only let it automatically recover your password. This requires a higher cost of time.


Step 6. Click the 'Start' button to find and recover the password. After the following interface appears, 'Copy' the Excel password to the clipboard.



Another tool worth recommending is PassFab for Excel. When you forget your excel password, you can use Dictionary Attack, Brute-force with Mask Attack, Brute-force Attack three modes to recover excel password.



Tips: Why the First 3 Methods Fail to Recover Excel 2013/2016/2017 Password

Why are the first 3 methods only capable of recovering password from older versions prior to Excel 2010? You need to know the difference between the old version and the new version of Excel:


The length and complexity of the old Excel password do not change the extent of Excel file protection. You can use the first 3 technical methods to crack the Excel password.


For the latest version (for example, Excel 2013/2016/2017), Microsoft official offers more sophisticated technology and Excel protection methods, so hackers or technology cows cannot bypass password protection. In this case, Pro Excel password remover could be your choice.



The Bottom Line

When you forgot Excel password, you don't have to be anxious anymore. The 4 methods of Excel password recovery introduced in this article can quickly retrieve passwords for different versions of Excel. Simple or complex, free or paid, choosing the right plan to overcome password protection is the top priority.


I sincerely hope that these methods can get you out of your dilemma. If you have better solutions or more questions, share it below!

When working on an Excel file, the data can go haywire due to system crash, human errors, virus/malware infection and other unknown issues. Even if you back up your Excel file quite often, corruption can still be a problem. Also, the backup won’t necessarily contain the most recent version of your Excel file. But with the help of Excel Recovery Software, you can easily recover corrupt data from an Excel file in a hassle-free manner.

While there is no dearth of Excel file recovery software, choosing the right one among the plethora of options available can be an arduous task. To help you out, we have tested several tools and put together a list of 10 best Excel recovery software that is worth trying.

Stellar Repair for Excel offers a quick and hassle-free way of dealing with all common Excel file corruption errors like ‘unreadable content’, ‘un-recognizable format’, ‘Excel file is corrupt and cannot be opened’ etc. The software features a rich and intuitive GUI that helps repair corrupt Excel files and quickly restore the file data in 3 simple steps – load the corrupt file, repair & preview the file, and then save it.

Supported OS: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP
Supported MS Excel Versions: 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 & 2000

Pros:

Software with 100% integrity and precision

Cons:

  • Allows topreview single worksheet from the repaired Excel file

This is another great Excel repair tool that allows repairing corrupt data from Excel files that cannot be recognized or accessed. It features a simple to use and easy to navigate GUI that makes the process of repairing Excel files a seamless process.

Supported OS: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, 98, NT & 95 Supported MS Excel Versions: 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, XP, 2000, 97 & 95

Pros:

  • Restores all types of Excel data objects like table, chart, formula, chartsheet, image, etc.
  • Preserves cell’s properties and formatting
  • Allows recovery of multiple Excel files at once
  • Previews recoverable content of the repaired file
  • Supports MS Excel version 2019

Cons:

  • Does not provide the option to search for specific Excel files
  • No option to save the log report

SysTools Excel Recovery software can help recover excel worksheet data after a system crash and can repair all types of MS Excel file errors. It allows to repair a single workbook or a complete folder to restore Excel spreadsheet data.

Supported OS: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, Vista, Windows 2008, 2003, 2000
Supported MS Excel Versions: 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, & 2007

Pros:

  • Recovers Excel data like pivot table, cell commenting, formulas, graphical charts, and images, etc.
  • Repair and retrieve data from multiple worksheets
  • Retrieves page layout with themes and gridlines
  • Option to search for files on the drive
  • Provides a preview of recoverable Excel data objects

Cons:

  • Option to save log report is not available
  • Does not support the recovery of password-protected files

Next, in the list of 10 best excel file recovery software is Recovery for Excel. It efficiently repairs corrupt Excel spreadsheets and saves the data into a new spreadsheet, without changing the original data. The software scans the corrupt file and saves the preview of recovered data into a file.

Supported OS: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 2003/2008 Server Supported MS Excel Versions: 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002, 2000, 97, 95 & 5.0

Pros:

  • Recovers tables, numbers, merged cells, chartsheet, hyperlinks, and formulas, etc.
  • Repairs frozen rows and columns
  • Supports multiple recoveries of files in a single attempt
  • Saves the preview of recoverable data
  • Saves log report of the recovery process

Cons:

  • Does not support latest MS Excel version
  • Does not retrieve cells’ names, VBA modules, and drawings
  • Preview of recoverable Excel data is not available in the interface

Like any other Excel file recovery software, Recoverfix for Excel Repair to enables data recovery from corrupt or damaged Excel files. The software can fix all types of Excel corruption errors and recovers entire data stored in a corrupt file.

Supported OS: Windows 10 and all earlier versions
Supported MS Excel Versions: 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 and 2000

Pros:

  • Recovers allobjects of Excel file including text, embedded texts, tables, chartsheet,images, etc.
  • Retainsoriginal properties of the Excel file
  • Repairsmultiple Excel files simultaneously
  • Offerspreview functionality

Cons:

  • Does not support MS Excel 2019 and 2016 versions
  • No option to save log data

Another greatrecovery tool for Excel files by Cimaware, ExcelFIXhelps extract data from the damaged MS Excel file and saves the data in a newExcel file. It can be used to fix most of the common Excel file errors.

Supported OS: Windows 8, 7, XP, Vista, Windows ME, NT, 2003, 98 & 95
Supported MS Excel Versions: 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002, 2000, 97 & 95.

Pros:

  • Retrieves cell values, formulas, cell comments, structural elements, hyperlinks, and images, etc.
  • Supports multi-file recovery
  • Allows to verify the recoverable Excel file data before saving it
  • Multi-language support is included

Cons:

  • Performsrecovery of password-protected XLS files only
  • Log reportof the repair process cannot be saved
  • May hang or crash in some instances

Choose Recovery Toolbox for Excel if you arelooking for limited data recovery from a corrupt Excel file. However, thesoftware allows to fix all types of Excel errors. Further, it has a clear and straightforwardUI that can be used by a novice.

Supported OS: Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista, Windows 2003, 2000, 98, Windows Me & NT
Supported MS Excel Versions: 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, & 2007

Pros:

Excel Password Recovery Software Mac Download

  • Repairs all types of Excel errors including error code 1004, 13, 91 and other errors
  • Recovers worksheets, workbook cell data, tables styles, fonts
  • Repairs formulas, cell formatting values, table column width, and row height values
  • Allows to save repaired data in existing or a new Excel file

Cons:

  • Cannot repair spreadsheet properties like comments, VBA macros, merged cells, hyperlinks, etc.
  • Does not support the recovery of multiple Excel files
  • Does not support saving log information

This Excel repair utility can be used to restoredata from a corrupt workbook and worksheet of any size.

Supported OS: Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista, Windows 2000, Me, NT 4.0, 98 & 95
Supported MS Excel Versions: 97, 2000, XP, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 & 2016

Pros:

  • Repair table styles, cell values, cell formatting, formulas
  • Provide a preview of recoverable Excel file data
  • Export data directly to MS Excel

Cons:

  • Cannotrecover merged cells, hyperlinks, VBA macros, and some other data types andobjects
  • Support forMS Excel 2019 version is not available
  • Does notsupport batch repair of Excel files

DiskInternals Excel Recovery software can helpyou find and recover MS Excel files from any storage media. Unlike othersoftware in the list, DiskInternals scans an entire drive to locate the Excelfile you want to recover.

Supported OS: 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Server & Vista
Supported MS Excel Versions: 97, 2000, XP, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 & 2016

Pros:

  • Recovers unsaved or accidentally deleted Excel files
  • Provides a detailed preview of recoverable workbooks and spreadsheets
  • Allows to recover multiple Excel files at once
  • Recovered files can be saved on any disk

Cons:

  • Does not support MS Excel 2019version
  • Difficult to understand userinterface for novices

This Excel repair software is capable of recovering Excel file data that gets corrupt due to an unexpected event. It only takes a few minutes to repair Excel file and recover corrupt data by using Excel Repair Kit.

Supported OS: Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, XP, Vista, Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0 & 2000
Supported MS Excel Versions: 95, 98, 2000, XP, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 & 2016

Pros:

  • Recovers Excel elementsincluding cell data, formulas, cell formatting, links and much more
  • Intuitive wizard-based UI

Free Excel Password Recovery

Cons:

  • Option to search the file isnot available
  • Does not support Excel version2019

Conclusion

Free Word Excel Password Recovery

Whatever the cause, losing critical Excel file data can be a horrendous experience. With Excel file recovery software the chances of retrieving lost or corrupt data are good.

Excel Password Recovery Software Mac Reviews

Hopefully,the list of 10 best Excel Recovery Software covered in this post will help youpick a suitable tool to meet your data recovery needs.

Free Excel Password Recovery Software

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