You cannot open a password-protected workbook if you forget or lose the password (292264)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Excel 2003
  • Microsoft Excel 2002
  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
  • Microsoft Excel 2001 for Mac
  • Microsoft Excel X for Mac
  • Microsoft Excel 2004 for Mac
This article was previously published under Q292264

SYMPTOMS

When you protect a Microsoft Excel workbook or a worksheet with a password, you cannot open the document without entering the password.

If you forget or lose the password, you are unable to access the data in the document.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the password that is used to protect an Excel worksheet or workbook is not recoverable. If the password is lost, there is no way to open the document.

MORE INFORMATION

There is no way to open a password-protected workbook other than by using the password with which it is protected. This behavior was designed to ensure the privacy of the program user.

For more information about password-protected files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

189126 Microsoft policy regarding missing or incorrect passwords

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:1/16/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB292264
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