Unlocking Protected Excel Sheets and Workbooks

Introduction

• Guide to unprotect an Excel sheet and workbook without the password.
• Demonstration is performed in Microsoft Excel.

Steps to Remove Sheet Protection

Initial Setup

1. Encountering Protection: Attempting to fill a form results in an error due to sheet protection.
2. Backup:
   • Use File Explorer to locate your Excel file.
   • Create a backup by copying the file (Ctrl+C) and pasting (Ctrl+V).

Modifying File Extension

1. Display File Extensions:
   • In File Explorer, enable file extensions via View > Show > File Name Extensions.
2. Change Extension:
   • Rename the Excel file from .xlsx to .zip using F2 or right-clicking.

Removing Protection Tags

1. Extract Zip Contents: Open the zip file to see Excel contents.

2. Identify and Edit:

   • Navigate to xl/worksheets to find sheet1.xml.
   • Copy the file to desktop, right-click, and open with Notepad.
   • Use Ctrl+F to search for <sheetProtection>.
   • Remove the <sheetProtection> tag by highlighting and deleting it.

3. Save Changes:

   • Save the modified XML file and drag it back into the zip.
   • Confirm "Copy and Replace".

Steps to Remove Workbook Protection

Process Simultaneously

1. Workbook XML:

   • In xl find workbook.xml.
   • Copy to desktop, open in Notepad.
   • Search for <workbookProtection>.
   • Delete the tag like before.

2. Save and Replace:

   • Save changes and drag the file back to the zip.
   • Confirm "Copy and Replace".

Finalizing

1. Rename Back to Excel File: Change .zip back to .xlsx.
2. Verification:
   • Open the Excel file. Check if protection is removed by attempting to edit.
   • Confirm you can add sheets.

Conclusion

• Successfully removed protection allows editing the Excel file and workbook.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more helpful content.

Note: Always create backups before modifying files to prevent data loss.