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.
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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.
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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.
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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
"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." -
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 .
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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.
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There are many file encryption methods available that are external to Excel.. Some free, Some paid. Here is a summery of some:
List of cryptographic file systems - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
You could also do a Google search on 'file encryption software'. I found that most don't seem to reveal the bit of encryption (128 or 256) -
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.
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The simple answer to your question is, yes, your file is still encrypted.
Excel 2010 encryption
Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by radji, Oct 17, 2012.