How to Recover a Password Protected Word Document
If you've forgotten your Word password, then it may seem like there is no hope for recovering your document. The key to getting your document back is to crack, or break, the password using software. Free programs sometimes take days to get the job done and they aren't always successful---especially if you have a complex or long password. Purchased Word password recovery products may suit your needs if you have a more complex password and are pressed for time.
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Instructions
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Download MS Word Excel Cracker 2. The product is free, but comes with limitations. The interface is easy-to-follow: you tell the software the location of your file and the software tries to crack the password. The software doesn't take up a lot of disk space. However, the program can take a few hours to work, so you may want to consider running it overnight.
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Download Word Key. The program recovers lost passwords for Word documents and password protected Word templates. The software does have a free trial available, so you can see if it will be able to find your password before you purchase the program. Once you have entered the location of your file, the software can instantly recover passwords for Word documents up to Word 97. Passwords for Word 97 and later may take several hours or even days to recover.
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Download a copy of Advanced Office Password Breaker. Instead of taking days to recover a password, this product promises to deliver you your recovered Word document within a specified time frame---regardless of the length or complexity of your password. The software promises to recover 100 percent of Word documents in under a minute. You input the location of the file: the software does the rest. It does come with a hefty price tag; as of August 2010, the software will cost you $99.
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Tips & Warnings
Depending on the software you choose, recovery could take days. If you need the document immediately, it may be worth purchasing one of the more expensive programs. If you are willing to wait for your document, try a free program first.
References
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