Two Excel prompts can look similar but require different solutions. Classify the lock before spending time or sending a file anywhere.
The password prompt appears before the workbook contents are visible. The document is encrypted for opening, so removing a worksheet restriction does not solve it. Recovery depends on the encryption profile and the clues available.
Recovery process
The password prompt appears before the workbook contents are visible. The document is encrypted for opening, so removing a worksheet restriction does not solve it. Recovery depends on the encryption profile and the clues available.
The workbook opens, but cells, tabs, formulas, or workbook structure cannot be changed. If you already know the password, Excel can remove these restrictions. If you do not, the correct route is a restriction-specific tool or documented owner workflow.
A file marked read-only or locked by another user may not have a password at all. Check file permissions, sharing state, and whether a temporary lock file is present before treating it as encryption.
These details help with the first profile check.
The outlook depends on the actual encryption profile.
Common situations
A file marked read-only or locked by another user may not have a password at all. Check file permissions, sharing state, and whether a temporary lock file is present before treating it as encryption.
Next step
Start with format detection and choose the appropriate path only after the file is identified.
