Excel uses different protection layers. The right recovery path depends on whether the workbook will not open at all or opens but blocks editing.
If Excel asks for a password before showing the workbook, the file is encrypted for opening. If the workbook opens and only a sheet, workbook structure, editing, or printing is restricted, it is a different protection layer. A remover for sheet protection cannot recover an unknown open password.
Recovery process
If Excel asks for a password before showing the workbook, the file is encrypted for opening. If the workbook opens and only a sheet, workbook structure, editing, or printing is restricted, it is a different protection layer. A remover for sheet protection cannot recover an unknown open password.
Keep the original file unchanged, note the exact Excel message, and make a working copy before trying Save As or the Review controls. If the file opens, check whether Unprotect Sheet or Unprotect Workbook is available. If it does not open, record the extension and Office version instead of repeatedly changing the file.
For an unknown password to open an encrypted workbook, upload only a file you own or are authorized to process. Format detection can distinguish older XLS profiles from modern XLSX/XLSM encryption before a deeper search is considered.
These details help with the first profile check.
The outlook depends on the actual encryption profile.
Common situations
For an unknown password to open an encrypted workbook, upload only a file you own or are authorized to process. Format detection can distinguish older XLS profiles from modern XLSX/XLSM encryption before a deeper search is considered.
Next step
Start with format detection and choose the appropriate path only after the file is identified.
