Open A Password-Protected File...w/o the Password

[Guest]

Does anyone know of a way to get around an Access db that has been password
protected (locked) ... and, we don't know the password?

Someone asked me this...I don't know if it's a Password on the file, or a
Password into a MDW.

TIA - Bob

 

[RobFMS]

Bob ... not trying to ridicule here... a password is meant to keep
unauthorized people out. If there was a way to get around it, there would be
no use for passwords.

Who created the database for you? Was it an internal developer or an outside
consulting firm?

--
Rob Mastrostefano

FMS Professional Solutions Group
http://www.fmsinc.com/consulting

Software Tools for .NET, SQL Server, Visual Basic & Access
http://www.fmsinc.com

 

[fredg]

Does anyone know of a way to get around an Access db that has been password
protected (locked) ... and, we don't know the password?

Someone asked me this...I don't know if it's a Password on the file, or a
Password into a MDW.

TIA - Bob

Would you ask how to get into your neighbors house without your
neighbor having given you permission?

 

[Guest]

It's from a large Corporation whom I've contract Programmed with for 11 years.

Someone wrote the DB, & they're long gone.

So...it's a very valid question...

Also, fredg...
Insight welcomed - Bob

 

[Guest]

Short of sending it to the CIA I think you're screwed.

 

[Guest]

DON'T say that....

I read, a few years ago, that if it's a "Simple Password-Protected File" =
NO MDW,
that it can "easily" be opened.

Anyone know how???

TIA - Bob

 

[Joseph Meehan]

DON'T say that....

I read, a few years ago, that if it's a "Simple Password-Protected File" =
NO MDW,
that it can "easily" be opened.

There are services that will try and do it for you. They usually are
successful. Try a Google search.

I often hear that it is so easy to break, but I don't see these people
actually doing it. It can be done, but I really don't think it is a common
knowledge type of thing.

 

[Guest]

Joseph - Thank you.

Can anyone recommend one of these Firms??

TIA - Bob

 

[Joseph Meehan]

Joseph - Thank you.

Can anyone recommend one of these Firms??

No, I am glad to say I can't. I have never needed one and I made sure
when I retired that at least three responsible people had all our security
information and the knowledge to use it. Too bad so many people don't do
the same.

 

[Guest]

The Client, a Big Company, is trying to locate the Programmer, no longer w/
them.

Thank you - Bob

 

[DEBBRA ANDERSON]

I doubt that it is a password into an MDW file. The MDW file would need to
be referenced in the path, and if you are not opening the database from the
PC that has the MDW file where the password was set, then the MDW files does
not apply.

In other words, when you set a database password it stays with the database.
If you use "workgroup" security, then the password is set up based on the
user(s) and the information is stored in the MDW file.

Here is a link to a Microsoft Access Security FAQ that may help:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=/support/access/content/secfaq.asp