Microsoft KB Archive/29740

Regaining Access to a Worksheet Protected with a Password PSS ID Number: Q29740 Article last modified on 02-26-1993 PSS database name: W_eXceL

2.x 3.00 | 2.20 2.21 3.00

WINDOWS | OS/2

Summary:

If you have password protected a worksheet, but forgotten the password, you may be able to circumvent the password under certain conditions. There are two ways to set a password in Microsoft Excel. Depending on the method you used, you may be able to regain access to the worksheet.

More Information:

The Options Protect Document command prevents the accidental erasure or modification of selected cells. A password is not necessary to provide this type of protection.

You can regain access to worksheets protected in this manner by using the following steps:


 * 1) Select the range of cells containing your worksheet.
 * 2) From the Edit menu, choose Copy.
 * 3) Open a new worksheet.
 * 4) Position the cursor where you want to copy the worksheet.
 * 5) From the Edit menu, choose Paste.

This method gives you an unprotected copy of the worksheet that you can edit.

The File Save As command prevents unauthorized access to the file. There is no way to regain access to worksheets protected in this manner without the password.

Additional reference words: 2.0 2.00 2.01 2.1 2.10 3.0 3.00

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.