How do I unprotect a form because I forgot the password?

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G

Guest

I have a form that was used for testing staff in Security. The staff that
created the form is now gone, I have forgotten the password and can't open,
save, edit, insert...etc. Is there a management tool that will allow you to
open the file and reset the password?
 
See Graham's website http://www.gmayor.com/Remove_Password.htm for the
procedure to use.

Give us a shout if you still have troubles.

--
Dawn Crosier
Microsoft MVP
"Education Lasts a Lifetime"

This message was posted to a newsgroup, Please post replies and questions
to the group so that others can learn as well.
 
Jay, it might help if your destination link could be updated for Office 2007
users. The Ctrl-Shift-F11 keystroke combo does nothing in Word 2007 as far as
I can see.
 
The keystroke is Alt+Shift+F11, but you're correct that it does nothing in
Word 2007. That's because the Script Editor is no longer included with
Office.

However, there's an easier way to get around that kind of password: Open a
new blank document, and use the Insert > Object > Text From File command to
insert the protected form document. You'll now have a copy of the form that
is unprotected and has no password.
 
The 'easier' way does not offer the possibility of restoring the unknown
original password and there can be issues with layout attributable to
differences in the template used to create the new document where this was
not used to create the form; however I have updated the page to reflect this
alternative. http://www.gmayor.com/Remove_Password.htm#Alternative

--
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Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com

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Hi Graham,

I agree with your point about possible changes in layout.

On the issue of restoring the original password, it's my impression that many of
the people asking about it here don't want any password, but the form was locked
by someone else who is no longer available.

The updated page is perfect!
 
I'm glad you approve :)

I agree about the password, but I felt that the script editor method was
preferable as a first option, where available, as this retains the layout of
the form without the need to juggle with templates. Unfortunately 2007 now
makes that inevitable.

--
<>>< ><<> ><<> <>>< ><<> <>>< <>><<>
Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com

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This doesn't seem to work any longer. When I try these methods in Word 2007
or Word 2003 for a document that was created/protected in Word 2007 it still
prompts me for the password. Is there another workaround or am I missing
something?

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
What exactly are you trying to do? The page primarily concerns documents
*protected for forms* - and with both Word 2003 & Word 2007 the method
described still works.
http://www.gmayor.com/Remove_Password.htm#Alternative.

With documents *protected against opening*, the document is encrypted and
there is no easy back door method.

--
<>>< ><<> ><<> <>>< ><<> <>>< <>><<>
Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com

<>>< ><<> ><<> <>>< ><<> <>>< <>><<>
 
Aha. That’s exactly what I was missing, didn’t note the difference between
*form* and *opening*. I’m trying to open a document created by a former
employee who cannot be reached to obtain the password.

The new restrictions are great for protecting documents but there ought to
be a password hint/reset option.
 
If you have sufficient time, a PC that you can dedicate to the task to run
around the clock, then there is software available that will locate the
password .... eventually. If the former employee is still alive it might be
quicker to use a private detective to locate him/her ;)


--
<>>< ><<> ><<> <>>< ><<> <>>< <>><<>
Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com

<>>< ><<> ><<> <>>< ><<> <>>< <>><<>
 
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