How to Quickly Remove VBA Password from Excel 2013 in 3 Minutes

Written by Kasper Langmann

Microsoft Excel 2013 is a powerful tool that allows users to store, calculate, and analyze data. One of its most powerful features is the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming language, which allows users to automate tasks and add functionality to their spreadsheets. However, to protect these VBA projects from unauthorized access or modifications, users often set passwords. But what happens when you forget the password or need to access a protected VBA project? This guide will show you how to quickly remove VBA password from Excel 2013 in just 3 minutes.

Understanding VBA Password Protection

Before we delve into the process of removing a VBA password, it’s important to understand what VBA password protection is and why it’s used. VBA password protection is a security feature in Excel that prevents unauthorized access to your VBA code. This is particularly useful when you have created complex macros or scripts that you don’t want others to modify or view.

However, there are instances when you might need to remove the password. For instance, you may have forgotten the password, or you might need to access a VBA project in a workbook that someone else created. In such cases, knowing how to quickly remove the VBA password becomes crucial.

Methods to Remove VBA Password from Excel 2013

There are several methods that you can use to remove a VBA password from Excel 2013. These methods range from using third-party software to manually editing the workbook’s file contents. The method you choose will depend on your comfort level with Excel and your specific needs.

In this guide, we will focus on one of the quickest and easiest methods that doesn’t require any special software or advanced Excel knowledge. This method involves editing the workbook’s file contents to remove the password.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove VBA Password

Follow these steps to quickly remove the VBA password from your Excel 2013 workbook:

  1. First, make a backup copy of your workbook. This is a precautionary measure in case something goes wrong during the process.
  2. Next, open the workbook that contains the VBA project you want to unlock.
  3. Save the workbook as an .xlsx file if it’s not already in that format.
  4. Change the file extension from .xlsx to .zip. You can do this by right-clicking the file, selecting “Rename,” and then changing the extension.
  5. Open the .zip file using a file archiver program like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
  6. Navigate to the “xl” folder, then the “vbaProject.bin” file.
  7. Open the “vbaProject.bin” file using a hex editor program.
  8. Search for the string “DPB” and replace it with “DPx”.
  9. Save the changes and close the hex editor.
  10. Change the file extension back to .xlsx.
  11. Open the workbook in Excel. You should now be able to access the VBA project without a password.

Please note that this method should only be used if you have legal rights to access the VBA project. Unauthorized access to someone else’s VBA project is a violation of privacy and could have legal consequences.

Alternatives to Removing VBA Password

If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of manually editing your workbook’s file contents, there are other ways to access a password-protected VBA project. One of these is to use a third-party VBA password recovery tool. These tools are designed to recover or remove passwords from VBA projects in Excel workbooks.

Another alternative is to contact the person who set the password and ask them to remove it. If the person is no longer available, you might be able to get assistance from your IT department or from Microsoft support.

Preventing Future Issues with VBA Passwords

To avoid future issues with forgetting VBA passwords, consider implementing a password management strategy. This could involve using a password manager tool that securely stores all your passwords in one place. Alternatively, you could keep a written record of your passwords in a secure location.

Another good practice is to avoid setting passwords that are easy to forget. Instead, choose passwords that are meaningful to you and that you’re likely to remember. If you must write down your password, make sure to store it in a secure location where others can’t easily find it.

In conclusion, removing a VBA password from Excel 2013 is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. Whether you choose to manually edit the workbook’s file contents or use a third-party tool, the key is to proceed with caution and respect the privacy and intellectual property rights of others.