Identify the task before unlocking
Sheet editing protection, workbook structure protection and file-sharing restrictions are different from file-opening encryption. If you know the opening password, use Remove Excel opening password to decrypt a supported XLSX/XLSM locally without rewriting its workbook contents. This leaves editing protection unchanged and cannot recover a forgotten password. Store the unencrypted copy securely. For editing restrictions, inspect the protection report and use the corresponding tool only with permission. Metadata cleanup is limited: comments and other content may remain.
Protect types and saved results
CSV/TSV imports accept a file up to 2 MB or pasted text and create literal string cells. JSON can retain numeric types. Values-only spreadsheet processing does not preserve formulas or original formatting; saved formula results are required because no recalculation is performed.
Clean, compare and deliver a copy
Use key columns deliberately when deduplicating and identical headers when appending files. Compare versions by cell coordinate before delivery. Excel to PDF creates a simple rasterized table, not the workbook’s print layout; use the source app when fidelity is essential.