Two Different Types of Protection
Protection encountered in Excel files can exist at two different levels: an open password (workbook encryption), and sheet/workbook protection, which protects the worksheet from being edited. The latter is generally much weaker protection and can be resolved faster; the former encrypts the file itself and requires different analysis depending on the format version.
Why It Matters
Excel files typically carry critical corporate information such as financial data, payroll, or inventory records. Being unable to access a file whose password has been forgotten can directly disrupt accounting and reporting processes.
Approach
A different reverse-engineering strategy is applied depending on whether the file is in the older .xls (weaker encryption) or newer .xlsx (AES-based) format; for sheet-protected files, structural analysis generally produces much faster results.
How Does the Process Work?
File Analysis
The file format, source of the issue, and solution path are determined through a free preliminary analysis.
Analysis Result
The expected success rate and timeline are clearly communicated.
Recovery
Following approval, the recovery process is carried out based on the analysis results.
Delivery
The recovered file is delivered to you through a secure channel.
The preliminary analysis and demo recovery are always free. If, after the demo stage demonstrates that the content is recoverable, you choose not to proceed with the full recovery, a fee of 250 USD + VAT applies, covering the analysis and demo work already performed.
Document content is not of interest; only the requested technical operation is carried out. The file may need to be opened to the extent required for recovery verification, but its content is never copied, shared with third parties, or retained on our systems after delivery. If requested, a written confidentiality commitment is also provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only remove the protection on a specific sheet, or open the entire file?
This depends on your request: removing only the sheet protection, or decrypting the file's open password, are both possible.
Do you see my data?
File content is not of interest; only access is provided and delivered. Content is never copied, shared with third parties, or retained on our systems after delivery.