Where Are the Saved Passwords in Internet Explorer 8?
In order to protect the privacy of its users, Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 stores saved passwords in encrypted form in two different locations. Specific software can be used in order to decrypt passwords saved by Internet Explorer 8.
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About the Registry
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The registry is a special file used by all versions of Windows. Its job is to save important information from both Windows and any other program installed on your computer. To access the registry, simply open the Windows menu, and type "regedit" into the "Run" box. Information in the registry is stored in keys which can be modified using Regedit. Be careful when modifying anything in the registry, since a corrupt registry can cause Windows to become unstable.
AutoComplete Passwords
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The AutoComplete function of Internet Explorer 8 allows users to specify which passwords should be remembered by the program. When you fill in a form which requires a password or when you log in to a website, Internet Explorer displays a message box asking whether you would like the program to remember your password or not. If you choose to do so, it will then store your password in the registry under the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\IntelliForms\Storage2.
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HTTP Authentication Passwords
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When you attempt to visit a restricted, or "members-only" page on some websites, a message box sometimes pops up, asking you for a login and password. Those login credentials, also called HTTP authentication passwords, are stored in a different location on your computer. To access them, open My Computer and go to the following folder: Documents and Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Credentials.
Decrypting Saved IE Passwords
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Many shareware or freeware programs are designed specifically to decrypt saved Internet Explorer passwords. You should, however, be aware that these programs should only be used to decrypt your own passwords. Decrypting someone else's passwords is illegal in most countries.
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References
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