Excel VBA Project Is Unviewable: How to Fix It
Excel VBA Project Is Unviewable is the message Excels shows when you try to expand a locked VBA project in Visual Basic Editor. The lock usually comes from a VBA project password or when the workbook is in a shared state. First, you have to check the status and then verify the password. You can also follow these steps
- Check title bar
“Shared” appears after the file name, then unshare the workbook by going to Review > Share Workbook (Legacy). Then save the file, close it, and open it again.
- Enter the VBA project password
If Excel asks for a password and someone made that Excel file, then it is better to ask that person for the password.
- Restore backup and earlier version
The first do not work, try this method and it is especially helpful when the problem starts after repairing the Excel file
- Forgot the password
If you have file and you forgot the password, then you need to use VBA Project Unlocker tool.
In this guide we understand the full process of Excel VBA Project is unviewable using practical methods. This guide explains the difference between VBA project protection, worksheet protection and macro security to help you choose the right solution according to your problem.
What Does “Excel VBA Project Is Unviewable” Mean?
When you open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing Alt + F11 and double-click a project, Excel may show a small Project Locked window with the message “Project is unviewable”. If Project Explorer is hidden, press Ctrl + R to open it.
According to Microsoft documentation, this means the project you are trying to view is locked. The way to unlock it depends on the application you are using.
This error does not mean that your workbook is damaged. Usually the workbook opens normally and the macros continue to run. Only viewing the VBA code is restricted.
Important note: Errors do not always mean that Excel is damaged or macros are not working.
What Causes the Excel VBA Project Is Unviewable Error?
- The workbook is in the legacy Shared state
The old “Shared Workbook” feature does not allow you to edit or view macros. If workbook still shared and “shared” after file name in the title bar, Its VBA project may show as unviewable even no password has been set.
Many Excel forum user report that un sharing the workbook made their VBA code accessible again. When show this message without asking password, it is useful to check this cause.
- The VBA project is password-protected
Developer tools >VBA project properties> protection, select the lock project for viewing checkbox and set the password.
If you do not have right password then you cannot view or edit VBA code, normally Excel ask the password when you try to expand password protect project.
- The file is an odd in (.xlam) with a locked password
Add ins can be locked as worked. Keep mind that the isaddin IsAddin property of the Thisworkbook object only controls. Whether the workbook stays hidden and treated as add-in.
- A very old workbook
According to some troubleshotting guides code written in very old Excel version like Excel 5.0 may not viewable in current versions. This can cause the message to appear.
- Protection added by a third-party tool, or file damage
Some third parties protection utilities cab unviewable VBA project. Some users report that this appears after repairing damaged workbook Excel.
Why Is the VBA Project Unviewable in Excel?
1- The VBA project is locked for viewing
Excel developers have the option to protect a VBA project, so that other people cannot view or edit the code without permission.
2- You do not have VBA password
If the workbook was created by someone else they might have set a password before sharing the file. In this situation macros can run but you cannot view the code.
3- You opened the wrong workbook
Sometimes one file can be saved multiple times on a computer; one copy may be old and the other copy may have a protected VBA project. Before using any recovery method you need to check the file location name, date and extension.
4- Confusion between macro security and project protection
Excel has different settings for running macros and accessing VBA code. Disabling macros does not mean that the VBA project is locked and enabling macros does not mean that the VBA project password is removed.
That is why changing macro security settings does not solve the Excel VBA Project Is Unviewable Unlock issue.
How Do You Fix Excel VBA Project Is Unviewable? (Free Methods First)
Before fixing any error make copy of that workbook so that file is safe.
Check whether the workbook is shared, and unshare it
- Check title bar, if (shared) after file name then the workbook is in old, shared state.
- Old command can be hidden in correct Microsoft 365 version. To add it go to file > options> Quick Access Toolbar. Select “All commands” then choose share workbook legacy and click on add.
- Click on new toolbar button then edit tab, clear the checkbox that allows more than one user to make changes at same time. The exact wording of excel version is depending on Excel version.
- Click on OK, save the file, close and open it again.
- Alt + F11.expand project again and check it again.
Enter the VBA project password
- Open workbook and press Alt + F11
- Double clicked the locked project in Project Explorer
- When Excel ask password then enter right password
- Removing lock permanently you need to go Tools> VBAProject Properties>protection. Clear the “Lock project for Viewing” checkbox and password boxes. Click OK and save the file then close the workbook and open again.
Restore a backup or earlier version
If you have old copy of workbook, then open it and check old copy VBA is viewable or not.when file saved on OneDrive or SharePoint then go to file version history and check earlier version also.
If this problem happens after the file repairing, restoring the backup or an earlier version is one of the safest person.
For add-ins (.xlam), contact the author
A locked add in cannot be open in the Visual Basic Editor without the password. Changing the IsAddin property will not remove the lock either. In this case you have ask for a password from the developer or unlocked version.
What If You Forgot the VBA Project Password?
If the problem occurs because you forgot the VBA project password and you do not have a backup file then the safest option is to install on your PC third-party tool. The tool is only relevant when the VBA project is password-protected if the workbook is shared then use the first free method.
One available option is the PCVITA VBA Forgot Password Remover software, Use this tool only when you have permission to unlock the project.
1- Save your original file as a backup on your computer
2- Download and install the tool on your computer
3- Open software browse for your VBA password-protected file such as an XLSM or XLSB file, and select it.
4- Before starting the removal process follow all instructions step by step.
5- Open workbook again after completing the removal process (correct) and check whether the VBA project is accessible and the macros are working properly.
Quick Checks for Excel VBA Project Is Unviewable
| Problems | Actions |
|---|---|
| Excel asks for a VBA password | Enter the correct password or contact the project owner. |
| Forgot the password | Use a backup copy or a compatible recovery tool. |
| Workbook opens but the code is hidden | Check whether the VBA project is locked for viewing. |
| Macros run but the code is inaccessible | Get permission to view the VBA code because macro access and project protection are different. |
| One workbook has an error | Check the protection settings and compare them with another available copy. |
| Many workbooks have unexpected problems | Test another trusted workbook and check the Excel installation. |
| You can view the code but cannot run the macros | Review the macro settings and make sure the file comes from a trusted source. |
Conclusion
Excel VBA Project Is Unviewable Unlock problems happen when the VBA project is locked for viewing.. The first thing you have to do is check the project in the Visual Basic Editor, select the correct workbook and restart Excel to check whether the issue is temporary.
If you know the password then enter it to access the code but if you forgot your password then check your backup or use a compatible and trusted tool.
When you understand the difference between VBA project protection worksheet passwords and macro security settings then you can choose the correct solution and avoid making unnecessary changes to the Excel workbook.
Common Questions and Answers
Ques. Does Project Is Unviewable Always Mean the VBA Project Is Locked?
Ans. No, it can also happen when VBA project damage or other issues.
Ques. Will Enabling Macros Unlock the VBA Project?
Ans. No, enabling macros does not remove the VBA project password and both are different things.
Ques. Can I Repair an Excel Workbook to Remove the VBA Password?
Ans. No, repairing the workbook does not normally remove the VBA password.
Ques. Can a Corrupted Excel Workbook Reason for VBA Project to Become Unviewable?
Ans. Yes, file damage is one of the reasons when VBA projects become unviewable.
Ques. Can an Excel File Open Normally While Its VBA Project Remains Unviewable?
Ans. Yes, an Excel file can open and work normally.