当您使用受密码保护的资源并且忘记了密码时，这真的很令人沮丧。即使是在线会员网站也可能令人沮丧。但是，如果它是受密码保护的Excel 文档^{(Excel document)}中的项目，然后您又忘记了密码——这可能是您进度中不受欢迎的障碍。

幸运的是，您可以采取一些措施从Excel中删除密码。如果您希望您的文档受到密码保护，您可能需要在破解后重新保存并保护它。但是对于本文，我们将重点关注破解部分。

一些术语^{(Some Terminology)}

从Excel^(Excel)中删除密码就是指 - 使文件不再具有密码。再次破解密码，就像听起来一样，破解密码，以便您可以访问文件。这可能是密码在删除过程中被破坏或在被破解过程中被破坏的情况。 

是的，cracked听起来像是破了，但想想hack。在破解^(cracking)忘记密码的情况下，您正在弄清楚密码是什么，因此您可以访问该文件。

限制^{(Limitations)}

许多软件程序和许多其他可用选项只会导致死胡同或^{(end or limitation)}某种限制。例如，它们适用于 Excel 2007，但不适用于Excel 2016或Mac。或者它们将在工作表中起到保护作用，但如果您无法打开文件（打开密码）则不会。 

有趣的是，适用于这些项目的软件选项（即Excel 2016、打开密码、Mac等）也适用于较旧的Excel程序。 

那么，为什么要购买两个程序，或者必须为新文件购买一个程序，并在不需要旧文件的免费程序时将您的计算机弄得一团糟呢？获得解决您问题的正确程序是有意义的。虽然 *free* 很棒，但 9-30 美元并不是一个绝对可怕的价格，当您考虑到很多有价值的（和需要的）软件运行 300-500 美元时，就不是这样了。

太简单了，这里有一些 *免费* 选项，可能会从Excel中删除密码，从而使您不必付费甚至安装任何东西。稍后^(Later)我们将考虑一些付费软件^{(paid software)}解决方案。

免费方法^{(Free Methods)}

以下是您可以尝试的一些方法，它们可能会让您的钱包保持关闭状态。没有保证，但它是一个开始的地方。请记住两^{(mind two)}件事：

1. 如果您时间紧迫或想要更轻松的路线，您可能想直接使用付费解决方案（软件）。
2. 2013 年之前的Excel 加密非常简化。^{(Excel encryption)}这意味着更容易破解在 2013 年之前受保护的工作表。^(protected)同样^(Again)，如果您想跳过麻烦，对于更新版本的工作表（更新版本的Excel），您可能希望跳过免费版本并直接进行为付费。

无论如何，不​​要忘记备份文件。多个备份可能是明智的。破解文件的副本，这样您就可以确保原始文件没有损坏或损坏。^{(corruption or damage)}这些软件方法和免费方法中的大多数都不会损坏文件，但最好谨慎行事。

两种 VBA 脚本方法^{(Two VBA Script Methods)}

使用VBA 脚本^{(VBA script)}的想法是绕过Microsoft Excel的密码检查机制并破解Excel 密码^{(Excel password)}。但是您可以通过在进程开始之前使用Visual Basic的核心脚本语言来欺骗程序来做到这一点。 

这似乎是更令人讨厌的选择，但它可能是涉及最少的方法，因此您可能想先尝试一下。

这是VBA 脚本^{(VBA Script)}。打开Excel Worksheet后，使用^{(Excel Worksheet)}Alt F11访问编辑器（也适用于Mac），从列表中选择文件并将此脚本粘贴到^{(list and paste)}声明^{(Declarations)}窗口中。

Sub BreakPassword()

   Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer 
   Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer
   Dim i1 As Integer, i2 As Integer, i3 As Integer
   Dim i4 As Integer, i5 As Integer, i6 As Integer

   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 i1 = 65 To 66
   For i2 = 65 To 66: For i3 = 65 To 66: For i4 = 65 To 66
   For i5 = 65 To 66: For i6 = 65 To 66: For n = 32 To 126

   ActiveSheet.Unprotect Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & _
   Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & _
   Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)

   If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
      Exit Sub
   End If

   Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
   Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next

End Sub

按下VBA 脚本^{(VBA script)}的运行^(run)按钮 (F5)后，给它一些时间，当按钮再次可用时，您将知道脚本已完成。 

有几种可能性。例如，在Mac 版本^{(Mac version)}中，您可以简单地开始编辑文件。其他版本，如Windows会给您一个临时密码，您可以使用它来解锁文档并开始编辑。此时，您可以选择添加新密码（如果您愿意）并使用该密码重新保存文档。

还有另一种出色的VBA 脚本方法^{(VBA Script method)}，它获取Excel 文件^{(Excel file)}并在没有密码的情况下重新创建它的副本。您可以从此页面^{(this page)}复制/粘贴VBA 脚本^{(VBA script)}。

开膛手约翰选项^{(John the Ripper Option)}

从Excel^(Excel)中删除密码的另一种选择是使用终端的更核心的方法。这是开膛手约翰的^{(John the Ripper)}版本。这也是一般密码破解^{(password cracking)}的有效方法，几十年来一直有效。其他一些方法，如软件方法^{(software method)}，可能更容易、更有效，尤其是对于较新版本的Excel。 

此外，如果您有旧版本的Excel（2013 年之前）并且您不介意键入^{(t mind typing)}，则VBA 脚本方法^{(VBA Script Method)}是有效的。对于John the Ripper方法，请访问此站点^{(this site)}并滚动到底部以获取操作方法/说明。

XML/Zip Method (Pre-Excel 2013)

备份文件后，您可以继续使用XML/Zip method对其进行破解。 

• 您需要做的就是将文件的扩展名从xls更改为zip，以便Windows认为该文件现在是zip 文件^{(zip file)}而不是Excel 文件^{(Excel file)}。这将允许访问存在的 XML（假设该方法有效，但它可能无效）。
• 提取 now-zip文件并查找^{(file and look)}XML文件^{(XML file)}。它将位于工作表^(worksheets)目录中。 
• 在文件中，搜索 term sheetProtection，找到它后，删除包含它的标签。标签通常以<开头并以 >结尾。您想从头到尾删除整个标签。 
• 保存文件（仍然是 zip）。保存文件后，将zip扩展名重命名为原始扩展名。您应该已准备好并能够打开和使用该文件。 

这种方法效果不佳，研究表明它似乎只适用于较旧的文件。

其他（收集信息）^{(Other (Gathering Information))}

建议使用另一个密码选项^{(password option)}Excel Password Recovery Lastic。这是一个有趣的选择，但经过测试，它未能给人留下深刻印象，从未取得任何进展。 

也就是说，使用该程序可能会收集到一些有用的信息，即使它没有完成密码破解^{(password cracking)}（或删除）的过程。

• 下载软件后，双击它并完成在您的Windows 机器^{(Windows machine)}上安装它的过程。 
• 在完成对您的机器的扫描后，打开该程序将带您进入一个类似于上图所示的窗口。

该程序很有用，因为它可以找到可能需要帮助的Excel文件，即受密码保护的文件。 

您会注意到上面列表中的第一个文件是 2013 年之前的文件，扩展名为xls，打开密码^{(Password to open)}显示<CSP>。另外两个文件是 2016 文件，显示xlsx的扩展名和<strong>的打开密码^{(Password to open)}。

列表中第一个文件的密码是密码。^(password.)设置这种方式是为了保持测试简单。然而，即使使用简单的密码，更重要的是，弱加密（由于Excel 软件^{(Excel software)}的版本），Excel Password Recovery Lastic 工具^{(Excel Password Recovery Lastic tool)}仍然建议尝试其他选项。它建议访问Password-Find，您可以在下面找到更多详细信息。

其他文件 (xlsx) 也收到了相同的建议，这是意料之中的。如果软件无法处理最简单的文件，那么它就不会处理Excel 2016文件。

现在，这里是这个软件可能有用的地方。如果您有一个Excel 电子表格^{(Excel spreadsheet)}并且您知道它受密码保护但不确定程度如何，您可以让Excel Password Recovery Lastic找到文件（当您打开程序时它会自动扫描）然后告诉您什么文件具有的保护类型（见上图）。 

您会注意到，在上图中，它显示了<CSP>，正如我们之前提到的，它帮助我们了解文件的版本（除了那个小文件扩展名 help^{(file extension help)}，查看它是xls还是xlsx）。

每一点信息都有帮助。通过使用此软件工具^{(software tool)}，您至少可以确定Excel 文件^{(Excel file)}是打开密码^{(open password)}还是修改密码^{(modify password)}或两者兼而有之，或其他组合。

上图显示了不同的文件类型^{(file type)}。了解文件具有哪种类型的保护（以及版本），可以确定需要哪种类型的密码破解^{(password cracking)}，这可能会节省我们的时间、精力和金钱。 

该软件可能没有完成任务（破解文件），但它有助于理解文件以及下一步要采取的步骤。

付费软件方法^{(Paid Software Methods)}

无论您选择使用哪种方法从Excel中删除密码，备份Excel 文件^{(Excel file)}以防万一在此过程中发生任何损坏都会很有帮助。通常，您可以简单地复制未打开的文件。还有其他备份方法，为了安全起见，可以进行几次备份。

Dr.Excel ($29.95)

iSeePassword 提供了一个破解Excel密码的软件包。^{(software package)}它们还提供普通Windows密码的选项，因此在某种程度上它们是一站式商店。 

此外，他们很乐意提供试用，以便您在花钱之前查看该程序是否适合您。那里有足够多的选择，您可能希望确保您决定使用的软件有试用版^{(trial version)}，让您在花钱^{(spending money)}之前进行评估。

• 安装完成后，请务必在单击Finish之前单击Run ExcelPasswordRecovery.exe框。ExcelPasswordRecovery.exe也是软件的名称Dr.Excel。

• 第一步是添加有问题的文件。您可以通过单击右上角的添加文件^{(Add File)}来执行此操作。 
• 第 2 步^{(Step 2)}让您选择攻击类型。这些描述是不言自明的。攻击类型取决于您使用的密码类型。

因此，例如，如果您记得您使用了一个非常简单的密码，但您不记得该密码是什么，您可能想要使用字典攻击^{(Dictionary Attack)}，以便它使用更常用的单词。您可能还更喜欢可能需要更少时间 的带有面具攻击的蛮力。^{(Brute-Force with Mask Attack)}

请记住，您需要单击“设置”^(Settings)以选择与攻击类型^{(attack type)}相关的细节。

• 如果您不点击设置，^(Settings,) Dr.Excel会提醒您这样做，点击确定^(OK)后您可以返回并点击设置^(Settings)。

• 您现在可以开始攻击了。请记住，无论该软件多么彻底，都可能需要一段时间。被测文件的密码是password，超过6个字符，花了好几个小时才破解。因此，简单性并不能说明需要多长时间。

PassFab ($19.95/yr)

另一种流行的软件解决方案^{(software solution)}是PassFab。

如果您转身离开或没有注意，您的默认浏览器^{(default browser)}可能会打开并确认软件已成功安装。该站点是passfab.com，该站点是该软件的开发者，您将被直接带到快速指南^{(Quick Guide)}寻求帮助。 

完成网站后，返回安装过程^{(installation process)}并单击“完成”按钮^{(Finish button)}打开程序。

• 在下一个屏幕上，您可以选择单击添加^(Add)并选择要破解的受密码保护的文件（或删除密码）。

在同一屏幕上，一旦您选择了文件，您就可以选择要使用的攻击类型，包括Dictionary Attack、Brute Force with Mask Attack和Brute Force Attack。

您想知道什么是GPU 加速^{(GPU Acceleration)}吗？它是一个图形处理单元^{(Processing Unit)}，有助于以最有效的方式管理计算机的视觉方面。它是比您的计算机处理器^{(computer processor)}更快的处理器，可以大大加快攻击速度。

此屏幕上的设置^(Settings)允许您上传自定义词典。因此，如果您知道密码是什么，您可能希望在自定义字典中列出这些可能性。

假设您有一个经常使用的特定密码，当您被迫更改它时，您会在其中添加一个数字或特殊字符。尽管密码与您通常使用的密码有些不同，但实际上它几乎相同。这是您在自定义字典文件中包含该密码（及其变体）的机会，以帮助加快在Excel中破解密码的过程。

用于测试的PassFab软件是试用版^{(trial version)}，以查看它是否有效。如您在上面看到的，该软件设法破解了密码。或者至少我们是这样假设的，基于字符数和匹配的前两个字符。 

该文件的密码^(password)是如上图中红色边框所示的密码。

PassFab 想要在您不得不花钱之前向您展示该软件可以正常工作。有许多可用的许可证选项，允许您选择最适合您的一个。请记住^(Remember)，虽然终身许可^{(lifetime license)}很有价值，但如果公司倒闭，软件将不再接受升级。

这不是对PassFab的预测，而是对一般软件许可^{(software licensing)}性质的评论。

Excel Password Remover Pro（可变）^{(Excel Password Remover Pro (Varies))}

最终的软件包^{(software package)}（或软件包^{(software package)}）是相当多的不同类型和服务的，所以在花钱之前一定要阅读描述。上图显示了撰写本文时可用的软件列表。

付费在线方法^{(Paid Online Methods)}

有一些选项可通过在线访问获得。还有一些选项可以提交您的文件供其他人为您破解并给您报价。我们包括了在线提供的半自助服务选项。

Password-Find.com (19.95/39.95)

密码查找^{(Password-Find)}是上述Lastic 软件^{(Lastic software)}建议的选项——该软件有助于提供有关文件的信息，以便我们可以对它们采取有教养的方法。

说明的图形非常清晰。例如，第一步是上传您要破解的文件，或删除密码。

在第二步^{(step two)}中，是时候选择方法了。在这种情况下，您关注的是结果，而不是考虑类型^(type)或方法。^(method)它仍然是一种方法/方法，但要决定你想要什么类型的结果。您想删除Excel中的密码还是找出密码是什么？ 

建议删除密码是有道理的，因为您始终可以使用另一个密码保存文件（或重新保存文件），并且这种方法（删除密码）更快。这是测试期间选择的方法^{(method chosen)}。

如果您可能有多个文件并且所有文件的密码相同，开发人员建议使用其他选项（确定/查找密码）。这是有道理的，因为如果您使用删除过程^{(removal process)}并且您有 50 个文件，那么您必须经历该过程 50^{(process 50)}次。

但是，如果您对一个文件使用破解方法^{(cracking method)}，并且需要删除三个文件密码的时间（^{(file password)}例如^{(example sake)}，只是一个数字），那么您已经节省了其他 47 个文件所需的时间，因为您已经弄清楚了50 个文件的密码。

这种特殊的在线解决方案^{(online solution)}的有效性和速度^{(effectiveness and speed)}令人印象深刻。软件运行时仍有一个等待阶段，但对于我们的 Excel 2016 文件进行测试，需要几秒钟，而不是几小时。

值得注意的是，该软件并没有给我们文件，而是让我们有机会查看未受保护（密码已删除）的文件。虽然其他软件为我们提供了文件的部分视图，但在这种情况下，我们能够在预览中看到完整的文件，证明它有效。

选项是在线查看^{(View online)}。请记住单击删除^(delete)以删除您的文件，以免将您的个人或企业电子表格留在互联网上的某个地方。

正如您在上面看到的，有两种购买选择，根据您的需求提供不同的解决方案。

Password-Online.com（10 欧元）^{(Password-Online.com (10 EUR))}

最后的在线选项是password-online.com。当您访问该站点时，您将在上面的菜单栏中看到^{(menu bar)}Excel Password Recovery Online。看来他们有一个万能的一步流程^{(step process)}。 

此时，您可以上传您的加密文件，就像按钮说的那样。跟着^(Follow)你走，你就在路上。

您将需要输入您的电子邮件，以便他们在您的文件准备好时通知您。您接收文件的速度取决于您前面的文件数量、复杂程度以及可能影响提供服务的任何其他因素。

虽然这项服务的价格合理，仅为 10欧元^(EUR)，但它没有估计您的文件可能需要多长时间才能完成。如果您想更好地控制流程，您可能会觉得通过其他一些选项多付一点钱会更好。

How to Remove, Crack, or Break a Forgotten Excel XLS Password

It can bе really frustrating when yоu go to use a password-protected resource and you have forgottеn the paѕsword. Even onlіne membership sites can be frustrating enough. But if it is a project in a password-protected Excel document, and you then forgot the password – it can be an unwelсome roadblock in your progress.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to remove a password from Excel. If you want your document password-protected, you may want to re-save and protect it after you have cracked it. But for this article, we will be focusing on the cracking part.

Some Terminology

Removing the password from Excel refers to just that – making the file such that it does not have a password anymore. Breaking the password is again, like it sounds, breaking the password so you can gain access to the file. That could be a case where the password is broken on its way to removal or broken on its way to being cracked. 

Yes, cracked sounds like broken but think hack. In the case of cracking a forgotten password, you are figuring out what the password is, so you can gain access to the file.

Limitations

Many software programs and the multitude of other options available will only result in a dead end or limitation of some sort. For example they will work for Excel 2007 but not for Excel 2016 or Mac. Or they will work for protection within the worksheet but not if you cannot open the file (open password). 

Interestingly, software options that will work for those items (i.e. Excel 2016, open password, Mac, etc.) will also work for the older Excel programs. 

So, why buy two programs or have to buy one program for the new files and clutter up your computer with a free program for the older files when you don’t need it?  It makes sense to get the right program that solves your problem. And while *free* is wonderful, $9-30 is not an absolutely horrible price, not when you consider a lot of valuable (and needed) software runs $300-500.

Too keep it simple, here are some *free* options that might remove the password from Excel, saving you from having to pay or even install anything. Later we will consider some paid software solutions.

Free Methods

The following are some methods that you can try that might allow you to keep your wallet closed. No guarantees, but it is a place to start. Keep in mind two things:

1. If you are short on time or want an easier route, you might want to go straight to the paid solutions (software).
2. The Excel encryption prior to 2013 was quite simplified. That means it is easier to crack a worksheet that was protected prior to 2013. Again, if you want to skip the hassle, for a newer version of the worksheet (newer version of Excel) you might want to skip the free versions and go straight for the paid.

No matter what, don’t forget to make a backup of the file. More than one backup can be wise. Crack a copy of the file so you can ensure that there is no corruption or damage to the original file. Most of these software methods and free methods do not damage the file but it is better to err on the side of caution.

Two VBA Script Methods

The idea of using a VBA script is to work around the password checking mechanism of Microsoft Excel and break the Excel password. But you do it by fooling the program before the process starts, with the core scripting language of Visual Basic. 

It might seem the more geeky option but it is possibly the least involved method, so you might want to try it first.

Here is the VBA Script. As soon as you open the Excel Worksheet, access the Editor with Alt F11 (works on Mac, too), choose the file from the list and paste this script in the Declarations window.

Sub BreakPassword()

   Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer 
   Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer
   Dim i1 As Integer, i2 As Integer, i3 As Integer
   Dim i4 As Integer, i5 As Integer, i6 As Integer

   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 i1 = 65 To 66
   For i2 = 65 To 66: For i3 = 65 To 66: For i4 = 65 To 66
   For i5 = 65 To 66: For i6 = 65 To 66: For n = 32 To 126

   ActiveSheet.Unprotect Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & _
   Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & _
   Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)

   If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
      Exit Sub
   End If

   Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
   Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next

End Sub

After hitting the run button (F5) for the VBA script, give it some time and when the button becomes available again, you will know that the script has finished. 

There are a couple of possibilities. For example, in the Mac version, you can simply start editing the file. Other versions, like Windows, will give you a temporary password that you can use to unlock the document and start editing. At this point, you have the option to add a new password if you like and re-save the document with that password.

There is another excellent VBA Script method that takes the Excel file and recreates a copy of it without the password(s). You can copy/paste the VBA script from this page.

John the Ripper Option

Another option to remove a password from Excel is a more core approach, utilizing the terminal. It is the John the Ripper version. This is also an effective method for general password cracking and has been used effectively for decades. Some of the other methods, like the software method(s), are probably easier and more effective, especially for the newer versions of Excel. 

Also, if you have an older version of Excel (pre-2013) and you don’t mind typing, the VBA Script Method is effective. For the John the Ripper method, visit this site and scroll to the bottom for the how-to method/instructions.

XML/Zip Method (Pre-Excel 2013)

After you have made a backup of the file, you can proceed to use the XML/Zip method to crack it. 

• All you need to do is change the extension on the file from xls to zip so that Windows thinks that the file is now a zip file instead of an Excel file. This will allow access to the XML that exists (assuming the method works, which it may not).
• Extract the now-zip file and look for the XML file. It will be in the worksheets directory. 
• Within the file, search for the term sheetProtection and when you find it, remove the tag that encloses it. A tag usually starts with < and ends with >. You want to remove the entire tag, beginning to end. 
• Save the file (still zip). After saving the file, rename the zip extension to the original extension. You should be all set and able to open and work with the file. 

This method did not perform well and research says that it seems to only work for the older files.

Other (Gathering Information)

There is another password option that is recommended called Excel Password Recovery Lastic. It is an interesting option but when tested, it failed to impress, never making any headway. 

That said, there is some helpful information that may be gleaned by using the program even if it doesn’t complete the process of password cracking (or removing).

• After downloading the software, double-click on it and go through the process of installing it on your Windows machine. 
• Opening the program will bring you to a window that looks like the one shown above, after it has done a scan of your machine.

The program is useful in that it finds the Excel files that may need some help, meaning those that are password-protected. 

You’ll notice that the first file in the list above is a pre-2013 file with an extension of xls and the Password to open shows <CSP>. The other two files are 2016 files and show the extension of xlsx and the Password to open of <strong>.

The password for the first file in the list is password. It was set this way to keep the testing simple. However, even with an easy password, and more importantly, weak encryption (because of the version of Excel software), the Excel Password Recovery Lastic tool still recommended that another option be tried. It recommended a visit to Password-Find, which you can find more details about below.

The other files (xlsx) also received the same recommendation, which was expected. If the software could not process the easiest file then it wouldn’t be expected to process the Excel 2016 file.

Now, here is where this software may be helpful. If you have an Excel spreadsheet and you know it is password protected but you are not sure to what extent, you could let Excel Password Recovery Lastic find the file (when it does its automatic scanning when you open the program) and then tell you what type of protection the file has (see above image). 

You’ll notice that in the image above, it shows the <CSP>, as we mentioned earlier, helping us to know what version of file (beyond that little file extension help, looking at whether it is xls or xlsx).

Every little bit of information helps. By using this software tool, you can, at least, figure out whether the Excel file is an open password or modify password or both, or some other combination.

The image above shows a different file type. Knowing what type of protection the file has (as well as version), can isolate what type of password cracking is needed, and this might save us time, energy, and possibly money. 

This software may not have done the deed (cracked the file) but it helped to understand the file and what steps to take next.

Paid Software Methods

No matter what method you choose to use to remove the password from Excel, it is helpful to make a backup of the Excel file just in case any corruption occurs in the process. Generally, you can simply duplicate the unopened file. There are also other methods of backup and it is fine to make a couple of backups, just to be safe.

Dr.Excel ($29.95)

iSeePassword offers a software package for cracking Excel passwords. They also offer options for normal Windows passwords, so to some extent they are a one-stop-shop. 

Also, they are kind enough to offer a trial so that you can see if the program even works for you before you spend the money. There are enough options out there that you might want to ensure that the software you decide to use has a trial version, allowing you to evaluate before spending money.

• When the installation is complete, be sure to click the box for Run ExcelPasswordRecovery.exe before clicking Finish. ExcelPasswordRecovery.exe is also the name of the software, Dr.Excel.

• The first step is to add the file in question. You can do that by clicking on Add File in the upper right-hand corner. 
• Step 2 lets you pick the type of attack. The descriptions are pretty self-explanatory. The type of attack depends on what type of password you used.

So, for example, if you recall that you used a really easy password but you do not remember what that password was, you may want to use a Dictionary Attack so that it uses more common words. You may also prefer a Brute-Force with Mask Attack that might take less time. 

Keep in mind that you will need to click on Settings to choose specifics related to the attack type.

• If you do not click on Settings, Dr.Excel is nice enough to remind you to do so and after clicking OK you can return and click on the Settings.

• You are now ready to start the attack. Keep in mind that no matter how thorough this software is, it can take a while. The password on the file tested was password, and with over six characters, it took several hours to crack. So, simplicity is not an indicator of how long it takes.

PassFab ($19.95/yr)

Another popular software solution is PassFab.

If you turn away or are not paying attention, your default browser may open with a confirmation that the software was successfully installed. The site is passfab.com, the same site that is the developer of the software and you are taken directly to the Quick Guide for help. 

When you have finished with the website, return to the installation process and click the Finish button to open the program.

• On the next screen, you have the option to click Add and choose the password-protected file that you want to crack (or remove the password).

On that same screen, once you have selected your file, you have the option to choose what type of attack you want to use, with Dictionary Attack, Brute Force with Mask Attack, and Brute Force Attack.

Are you wondering what GPU Acceleration is? It is a Graphical Processing Unit that helps to manage the computer’s visual aspects in the most efficient manner. It is a faster processor than your computer processor and can speed up the attack considerably.

The Settings on this screen allows you to upload a customized dictionary. So if you have an idea of what the password is, you may want to list these possibilities in your customized dictionary.

Let’s say you have a particular password that you use regularly and when you are forced to change it you add a number or a special character to it. Though the password is somewhat different than what you usually use, the reality is that it is pretty much the same. This is your opportunity to include that password (and its variations) in your customized dictionary file to help speed up the process of cracking the password in Excel.

The PassFab software that was used for testing was a trial version to see if it worked. As you can see above, the software managed to crack the password. Or at least we are assuming so, based on the number of characters and the first two characters that match. 

The password for this file was password as shown in the above box with the red border.

PassFab wants to be nice enough to show you that the software works before you have to spend any money. There are a number of license options available, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best. Remember, that while a lifetime license is good value, if the company goes out of business the software will no longer receive upgrades.

That is not a prediction with PassFab but rather a comment on the nature of software licensing in general.

Excel Password Remover Pro (Varies)

The final software package (or software packages) are quite a few different types and services, so be sure to read the description before spending money. The image above shows a listing of the software that is available at the time of writing.

Paid Online Methods

There are some options available via online access. There are also options to submit your file for others to crack for you and give you a quote. We included the semi-self-serve options available online.

Password-Find.com (19.95/39.95)

Password-Find was the option suggested by the Lastic software above — the software that helped to provide information about the files in question so that we could take an educated approach to them.

The graphics for the instructions are very clear. For example, the first step is to upload the file that you want cracked, or password removed.

In step two, it is time to select the approach. In this case, instead of thinking of type or method you are looking at the outcome. It is still a method/approach but decide what type of outcome you want. Do you want to remove the password in Excel or figure out what the password is? 

It makes sense that the recommendation is to remove the password since you can always save the file (or re-save the file) with another password, and that approach (removing the password) is faster. This was the method chosen during testing.

The developers recommend the other option (determining/finding the password) in cases where you may have several files and the same password for all of them. And that makes sense because if you use the removal process and you have 50 files you have to go through that process 50 times.

But if you use the cracking method on one file and it takes the time of three file password removals (just a number for example sake), you have saved the amount of time it would have taken for the other 47 files because you have figured out that password for the 50 files.

The effectiveness and speed of this particular online solution was very impressive. There is still a waiting phase while the software does its work, but for testing on our Excel 2016 file it was seconds, not hours.

It is worth noting that this software did not give us the file but rather gave us the opportunity to view the unprotected (password removed) file. While other software gave us partial views of the file, in this case we were able to see the complete file in the preview, proving that it worked.

The option is View online. And remember to click delete to remove your file so as not to leave your personal or business spreadsheets on the internet somewhere.

As you can see above, there are two options for purchase, offering different solutions depending on your needs.

Password-Online.com (10 EUR)

The final online option is password-online.com. When you visit the site, you will see Excel Password Recovery Online in the menu bar above. It appears that they have a one-size-fits-all, one step process. 

At this point, you can upload your encrypted file, just like the button says. Follow along and you are on your way.

You’ll be required to enter your email, allowing them to notify you when your file is ready. The speed at which you receive your file depends on how many files are ahead of yours, the level of complexity, and any other factors that may impact those providing the service.

Though this service is well priced at only 10 EUR, it gives no estimate on how long your file might take to complete. You might feel better paying a little extra with some of the other options if you want more control of the process.

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