Access to a Spreadsheet

Question

I have several spreadsheets that I use. I can get into all but one. When I tried to access it, I am told to enter a PIN. I don't have a PIN. It told me how to setup the PIN. I logged into my account and the options that I was told to select ARE NOT THERE. Why is ONE spreadsheet locked, but all the others are accessible? How can I access that spreadsheet. I need it for my taxes!!!

VR,

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Answer 1

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Hello Randy Marburger

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. From your description, you can open all of your other spreadsheets normally, but one specific workbook is asking for a PIN before it will open.

One possibility is that the workbook was saved with its own protection, encryption, or different access permissions. Excel workbooks can be configured to require a password to open or modify the file, which is separate from your Windows sign-in PIN.

A few things you can check:

• If the file is stored in OneDrive, make sure it is not located in Personal Vault, which requires an additional verification step.
• Try opening the workbook from Excel for the web if it is stored in OneDrive and see whether the same prompt appears.
• If the workbook was shared with you, confirm that you are signed in with the same Microsoft account that was originally granted access.
• Check whether you have a backup copy, an older version, or another copy of the file that opens normally.

If the issue persists, could you share the exact message that appears when you're asked for the PIN? A screenshot would be very helpful.

Could you also let me know where the workbook is stored (for example, on your computer, OneDrive...) and whether you created the file yourself or received it from someone else?