Excel: Passwords not Recognized After Switching Systems

• 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

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



2. Launch Microsoft Excel, and open the file.



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



4. Save the file, replacing the existing file.

Additional query words: 2.20 3.0 4.00 keycaps

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Last Reviewed: March 26, 1999