WD97: Can't Recover Password-Protected Document If Password Lost

In Microsoft Word, a password-protected document cannot be recovered if the password for that document is lost or forgotten. Microsoft does not offer a service to retrieve documents to which passwords have been added, nor does it offer any information regarding such services or processes.

This policy is to prevent any damages to Microsoft Word users who rely on the security that their passwords provide. To recover a password-protected document, you must remember the assigned password.

NOTE: Remember that passwords are case sensitive. If you used a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters when you set up your password, you need to use the same combination when you use the password to access your document. Also, before you type your password, verify that CAPS LOCK is not active.