Originally it was posted for Excel VBA, but apparently works for Access.
- Make backup.
- Open the file with a hexadecimal editor, find the string "DPB" and change it to "DPx".
- Then you open the file in Excel, switch to the VBA project and change the password (don't remove it, just change it). Save the file, reopen it, go to VBA project (using the password you've just created) and remove the password.
Lest anyone be fooled into thinking VBA projects are secure, let this be a lesson.
ReplyDeleteDespite (the other) JP's comment, this is the kind of information that's better kept quiet.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is a big secret, if you search for How to remove VBA project password - you will get several hits with same info. This should indicate that "VBA project password" is weak security and you should choose something else.
ReplyDeleteSure, but FWIW, this post is endorsed by a Microsoft MVP.
ReplyDeleteThis is public information, people should be aware of such bugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you pointed this out. I didn't know you could remove a VBA project password so easily.
ReplyDeleteAnd when you see how much some companies charge for a program that does just that...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the trick !
Wow! I am just so awestruck on how easy that was to remove VBA project password. Thank you for the info and I think I'll try other means to secure my excel files.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this good info but is there any other way that I can remove the password without downloading the software?
ReplyDeleteA great little snippet... Lost countless hours with numerous apps offering no recovery. this snippet literally saved my life... thank you so much
ReplyDeleteIs there a solution for access?
ReplyDeleteTry http://www.everythingaccess.com
ReplyDeleteIt worked for me for access
ReplyDeleteui have access 2013 :)
one thing actually
ReplyDeleteit didnt work with access database that has a user-level security or workgroup securtiy
donno i will keep tryin but it worked for many datbases on my pc
I think you have to turn off user-level security first...
ReplyDeletebut sir u cannot do so unless u unlock the VBA of the user-level secured database
ReplyDeletei don't have access to it
is there anyway to reverse the user level security process??
ReplyDeleteany tools or software??
Look at http://www.everythingaccess.com/
ReplyDeletemmm thank you for your help
ReplyDeletethis is a great site
i earned much from it but still didn't get what i want
i searched the whole web about unlocking the workgroup security level but nothing serious
:(
Any help??
ReplyDeletei found lots of DPBs in the database, which one to change??
is there any clue ??
this method worked for some VBA protected databases, but for this one with MDW file and user-level and security didn't work
any help??
Why dont you ask http://www.everythingaccess.com ?
ReplyDeleteI think they will help you, at least you can try...
great article thanks for the advice - you pulled me out of a hole after i inherited a password protected access mbd project ( it was the VBA script which was protected)
ReplyDeleteHow do you open this file in Excel from a hexadecimal editor?
ReplyDeleteClose Excel, run editor and open excel file there
ReplyDeleteIt works in Access too! Confirmed. Thanks a lot!
ReplyDelete