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    Excel 2010 encryption

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by radji, Oct 17, 2012.

  1. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    Howdy all. Got a quick question about Excel. I have an .xlsx file that used to be in the older .xls format. When it was in the older format, I set a password on it to open it, which I am assuming encrypts the file. I just converted the file to .xlsx format and it asked me to confirm the password and stuff. I am just wondering if the file is still encrypted after saving to the new format. The new file does ask for a password when you try to open it, I just want to make sure the workbook is encrypted still so I can email it without worrying about it being protected or not. If none of y'all are sure, then is there a Windows forum you can recommend to me that could possibly help? Micro-leech wants to charge me before answering a simple question since I don't have any malfunctions with Office 2010.
     
  2. TreeTops Ranch

    TreeTops Ranch Notebook Deity

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    It probably is still protected by the password. However, it is my understanding that the .xlsx format is more secure as it uses a more advanced encryption method. That is the same as .docx versus .doc formats. .docx word files that are encrypted are more secure than encrypted .doc files.
     
  3. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    I know. It is still password protected. I'm just wondering if by being password protected, an xlsx file is also automatically encrypted, or do I need to change another setting to make it encrypted as well.
     
  4. gmoneyphatstyle

    gmoneyphatstyle Notebook Deity

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    well you could just remove the password protection and turn it back on if you're concerned about it.
    Password protect documents, workbooks, and presentations - Support - Office.com
    ZA010224948.gif

    "In the Encrypt Document dialog box, in the Password box, type a password, and then click OK.
    You can type up to 255 characters. By default, this feature uses AES 128-bit advanced encryption. Encryption is a standard method used to help make your file more secure."
     
  5. TreeTops Ranch

    TreeTops Ranch Notebook Deity

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    Radji, you do know that there is a difference between password protection and encryption don't you? Excel uses both. Password protection just uses a password to open a file while encryption changes the order of all your data in the file so if you were to be able to open it without a password it would look like gibberish. Excel uses your password to unscramble your data using special algorithms .
     
  6. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    I'm aware of the difference. I used Office 2010 to password protect this file. I am going to go with it as it is because under the info menu, excel says this file is protected - encrypted with a password. All the google searches I've done say that Excel will always encrypt a file when you protect it with a password. Thank you both for, and if you know of any way to increase the encryption bit from 128 to 256, let me know.
     
  7. TreeTops Ranch

    TreeTops Ranch Notebook Deity

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  8. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    Yeah, but I need it to be seamless with Excel. The other two people who access this file aren't exactly advanced users, so complicating the file opening will just frustrate them. I just won't email the xlsx file, but I will transfer it to their hard drives via USB drive. That way its not out there for anyone to try and peek in.
     
  9. Pirx

    Pirx Notebook Virtuoso

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    The simple answer to your question is, yes, your file is still encrypted.