"Cannot open protected file" error message when you open password protected Lotus 1-2-3 WK3 or WK4 file in Excel for Mac (323162)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 2004 for Mac
Microsoft Excel X for Mac
Microsoft Excel 2001 for Mac
Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

This article was previously published under Q323162

For a Microsoft Excel for Windows version of this article, see 214108.

ERROR MESSAGE

When you try to open a Lotus 1-2-3 WK3 or WK4 file that is password protected, you receive the following error message:

Cannot open protected file.

CAUSE

Microsoft Excel for Mac cannot import password protected Lotus 1-2-3 files saved in the WK3 or WK4 file format.

THINGS TO TRY

Excel for Mac can import Lotus 1-2-3 files that are not password protected or that are saved in the WKS or WK1 file format. To open the file in Excel for Mac, reopen it in Lotus 1-2-3 and do either of the following:

Resave it without the password.

-or-
Resave it as a WKS or WK1 file. Note that if you save the file in this format, Excel for Mac prompts you for the password when you try to open the worksheet.

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	2/10/2005
Keywords:	kberrmsg kbfix kbprb KB323162