Fix encrypted Excel file errors simply and effectively

Are you looking for a way to fix encrypted Excel file errors? No need to look any further, TipsMake has detailed instructions in the article. Follow along to find out how to do it right away!

No one wants something to go wrong during their work. But for Excel, problems with this tool are not uncommon. In the previous post, the admin showed you how to fix the 'format and extension don't match' error. Today, we are looking for a way to fix encrypted Excel file errors - One of the tricks that is very popular with users.

Instructions on how to quickly fix encrypted Excel file errors

Encrypting Excel files is a problem many users encounter, especially for files you download from the Internet. The cause of this problem may be due to software incompatibility, virus-infected computer, etc. When opening the encrypted file, you will see strange characters appear in the data. For example, illustrations.

There are many different ways to fix the situation where Excel files are encrypted, read-only, or can't do anything. Some of you choose to recover files with 3rd party software such as recovering encrypted files with Kaspersky, repairing encrypted files with Wondershare Repairit software. However, before using these software, you should Try applying these simple, easy-to-implement tips:

1/ Delete the 'Read Only' attribute

First, you need to close the corrupted Excel file. Then proceed with the steps below:

1. Step 1: The user presses Windows + E > Find the location where this encrypted Excel file is saved > Right-click on the file and select Properties.

1. Step 2: When the properties window displays, uncheck the Read-only line.
2. Step 3: Click OK to save and check to see if the problem still occurs.

2/ Check the anti-virus programs on the computer

If you have some anti-virus software installed on your computer and are running it. There is a high possibility that this program mistakes your Excel file for a virus, so it prevents you from opening the file. So, try modifying your anti-virus settings so you can open Excel files as usual. This setting depends on the antivirus program you are using. Or if that doesn't work, try temporarily turning off these software and reopening the Excel file.

3/ Turn off protected view for Excel

This is also a way to help you overcome the problem of encrypted Excel files. First, you need to open Excel software > Click the File tab > Select Options.

Then, click on the Trust Center option in the left menu > Look through the right pane and click on the Trust Center Settings line.

Continue, select Protected View in the left pane > Then, uncheck all 3 lines below > After unchecking, click OK to save > Reopen the file to see if there are any errors.

1. Enable Protected View for files originating from the internet.
2. Enable Protected View for files located in potentially unsafe locations.
3. Enable Protected View for Outlook attachments.

4/ Open and repair Excel files

Corrupt Excel files causing errors when opening are also common reasons. Here are the steps to repair and open this file:

1. Step 1: Users open the Excel software on their computer > Then, click the File tab > Select the Open option > Click Browe.
2. Step 2: Find the location where the encrypted Excel file is saved > Click to select the file (note that you click to select, not double-click to open) > Continue, look down at the word Tool (as shown in the image) > Click on the arrow sign and select Open and Repair…
3. 
4. Step 3: Wait for this process to complete and then check to see if your Excel file has opened normally.

Fixing encrypted Excel file errors isn't too complicated, right? Wishing you success with my instructions!

Samuel Daniel

Update 02 January 2024