Forum Discussion

Steve7381's avatar
Steve7381
Copper Contributor
May 20, 2020

Excel password encryption

Hi All,

Please help!!

I believe my excel file has encrypted itself is this possible? I heard mention  on other threads.

 

The file won't open at all unless i supply a password but i'm sure i didn't add one!

 

I have seen that there may be an issue if the file contains VBA macros and /or it has been copied. Both of these are true with this file.

 

I'm using Excel 2016.

 

Thanks

 

Steve

excel
Macros and VBA

3 Replies

  • Mishelli's avatar
    Mishelli
    Copper Contributor
    Jun 01, 2020

    Steve7381 We have password protected docs that just use the feature with a blank (empty) password.  Is that possible in your case?

    • Steve7381's avatar
      Steve7381
      Copper Contributor
      Jun 02, 2020

      Mishelli My situation was that (so i've been told) a combination or macros and the files being copied can end up with a file password encryption, not to be confused with file protection passwords. The encryption prevents the file opening at all which leaves a password breaking method possibly using VBA impossible. Unfortunately on this occasion i had to bite the bullet and redo the work.

       

      Thanks 

  • JKPieterse's avatar
    JKPieterse
    Silver Contributor
    May 21, 2020
    Files can be saved with the requirement to provide a password to open them. If this is in VBA, the VBA code will contain the password as well probably. But that doesn't really help if you are unable to open the file. Unfortunately, password protection of a file is relatively secure, so not simple to break.

Resources