Article ID: 84545 - Last Review: November 16, 2006 - Revision: 2.3

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

This article was previously published under Q84545
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SUMMARY

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'll 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.

APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Word 2.0 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Word 2.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0b
  • Microsoft Word 2.0c
  • Microsoft Word 6.0 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Word 6.0a
  • Microsoft Word 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word 6.0 for Macintosh
  • Microsoft Word 6.01 for Macintosh
  • Microsoft Word 95 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Word 95a
  • Microsoft Word 98 for Macintosh
Keywords: 
kbinfo kbpolicy KB84545
Retired KB ArticleRetired KB Content Disclaimer
This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.
 

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