Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is widely used to automate tasks in Microsoft Office applications. However, forgetting the password to a protected VBA project can be a frustrating experience. Many users believe that unlocking a VBA project requires a hex editor, but that’s not the only way.

In this article, we’ll explore various manual and professional methods to unlock a VBA project password without a hex editor. We will also answer frequently asked questions and explain why VBA project passwords are often easier to bypass than expected.

Why Are VBA Project Passwords Important?

VBA passwords protect macro-enabled workbooks from unauthorized modifications. Businesses and developers use them to safeguard their VBA code from being altered or copied. However, if you forget your password or inherit a locked file without knowing the credentials, unlocking it becomes necessary.

If I make my Excel VBA password long and complex, how is it still easy to unlock the VBA project password without a hex editor?

Is it possible to remove the VBA project password manually without any software?

Yes, you can remove the VBA password without using any third-party software. Methods like modifying the workbook structure or using built-in Excel functions can help unlock VBA projects.

Methods to Break VBA Passwords Without Hex Editor

There are two main approaches to unlocking VBA project passwords:

1. Systematic Method (Manual) – Uses built-in file modification techniques.

2. Proficient Method (Using Specialized Tools) – Uses professional password-removal software.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step manual methods first.

Systematic Method (Manual)

These manual techniques leverage built-in features to unlock VBA projects. You don’t need any third-party software or a hex editor.

Method 1: Interchange Passwords Using WinRAR/WinZip

This method involves modifying Excel files at a structural level. Follow these steps:

1. Change File Extension- Rename the Excel file from .xlsm or .xls to .zip.

2. Extract the ZIP File- Open the .zip file using WinRAR or WinZip. Locate the vbaProject.bin file inside the extracted contents.

3. Replace the Password- Take a vbaProject.bin file from an unlocked Excel file. Replace the vbaProject.bin file in your locked workbook with the one from the unlocked file.

4. Recompress the Files- Zip the files back and rename the extension to .xlsm or .xls.

5. Open the Workbook- The VBA project should now be accessible without a password.

Method 2: Unlock VBA Project Password Without Hex Editor (By Workbook)

This method works by transferring your VBA code to a new workbook:

1. Open a New Workbook- Launch Excel and create a new macro-enabled workbook (.xlsm).

2. Record a Macro- Go to the Developer tab → Click Record Macro → Name it anything.

3. Save and Close- Save the new workbook and close Excel.

4. Import Locked VBA Modules- Open the locked workbook and copy all VBA modules. Paste them into your newly created workbook.

5. Save the Workbook Again- The VBA code is now available without password protection.

Proficient Method to Unlock VBA project password without Hex Editor

If manual methods seem complex, you can use SysTools VBA Password Recovery, a professional tool designed to unlock VBA projects instantly.

SysTools VBA Password Remover is an advanced tool designed to efficiently remove or recover passwords from single or multiple VBA project files across various Microsoft Office applications. It supports multiple file formats, including Excel (.xls, .xla, .xlsm, .xlsb, .xltm, .xlam), Word (.doc, .dot, .docm, .dotm), Access (.mdb, .accdb), and PowerPoint (.pptm, .ppsm, .potm), ensuring seamless access to protected macros and projects. This software can eliminate old passwords and generate new ones, allowing users to regain control without data loss. It also supports multilingual passwords, works without requiring administrative privileges, and enables unlocking VBA files across different versions of Microsoft Office, making it a reliable and user-friendly solution for professionals.

Conclusion

Forgetting a VBA project password can be frustrating, but unlocking it without a hex editor is entirely possible.

• Manual methods like using WinRAR/WinZip or transferring VBA modules into a new workbook can work without third-party tools.

• Professional tools like SysTools VBA Password Remover provide a hassle-free way to unlock VBA projects instantly.

No matter which method you choose, always back up your files before attempting any password removal. This ensures data safety while regaining access to your VBA code.