Excel: Passwords not Recognized After Switching Systems

ID: Q89650

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 2.2, 3.0, 4.0

SUMMARY

Microsoft Excel may not accept a password with special characters if the file containing the password is opened under a different Macintosh operating system. Codes for some characters created with the OPTION key differ between System 6.0x and System 7.0x. Therefore, passwords containing special OPTION characters created under System 6.0x may not be recognized under System 7.0x, and vice versa. The only workaround is to change or remove the password while operating the Macintosh with the system that was in use when the file was created.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Excel versions 3.0 and 4.0 allow for three different passwords in a worksheet: Protection Password and Write Reservation Password when you choose Save As from the File menu, and Protect Document on the Options menu. Excel version 2.2 allows two passwords: Password when you choose Save As from the File menu and Protect Document on the Options menu. If any of these passwords are assigned with an OPTION key character, Excel may not accept the password when the file is opened under a different system.

Workaround

To change the password:

Restart the Macintosh using the system the file was created under.

Launch Microsoft Excel, and open the file.

Change (or delete) the password containing the special characters.

Save the file, replacing the existing file.

Reference(s):

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide 1," version 4.0, pages 84-90

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide" for the Macintosh, version 3.0, pages 556-562

"Microsoft Excel Reference" for the Macintosh, version 2.2, pages 275-276, 550-552

Additional query words: 2.20 3.0 4.00 keycaps

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