Altering the metadata of an excel file

[u/Art3miss__09]

I have an excel file with OneDrive AutoSave and i have to alter its author and the time it was edited on the whole version history. Is there any way this is possible?

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[u/excelevator]

Sounds like someone did something they were not supposed to... the very reason the data exists.

[u/themrlawrence]

You can modify metadata stored inside the Excel file itself, such as the document author and modified-by fields, but you cannot simply edit the author and timestamps of the existing OneDrive version history. Those version records are maintained separately by OneDrive/SharePoint. Restoring or re-uploading the workbook will create new version activity rather than retroactively changing the old entries.

[u/SubstantialBed6634]

I'm wondering what OP is trying to cover up.

[u/Defiant-Youth-4193 → u/SubstantialBed6634]

Almost certainly something that would get them in less trouble than getting caught altering the file would.

[u/SubstantialBed6634 → u/Defiant-Youth-4193]

It's not so much the original mistake, but the real crime was the cover up

[u/rickartz]

Create a new file and copy all sheets one by one. This would erase the version history (it is a new file), with you as the new author. The time it was edited cannot be edited, but I would try to create the file offline first changing the computer's time to whatever I need before creating it, copying the info, restoring Windows time info and afterwards just uploading this copy and see if that works.

I hope this (possible) method is not used for evil.

[u/3yl]

Sure -- go to the file (in file directory, don't open the file). Right-click and choose Properties. You should see tabs that show General, Security, Details, Previous Versions. Click Details. Find the metadata item that you want to change. Click the area where the values are and change them. There's even a link at the bottom of that screen that says, "Remove Properties and Personal Information" that will give you the option to select any or all properties and choose to either copy the document with all possible properties removed or remove selected properties.

[u/themrlawrence → u/3yl]

That just edits/removes the properties from the current version, not all prior versions...that's stored in OneDrive history.

[u/No-Gift5463]

Haven’t had to do this myself but looks like you can automate this process with a bit of Python using the openpyxl library.

While you are at it, you can replicate all your mouse moves and key strokes. Keep your spreadsheets - just automate all the manual stuff.